“Then perform it, in all speed, for much depends on the management of this delicate duty.  I will be with thee anon.  Harkee, Master Stefano; take heed of thy prisoner, for the Senate makes great account of her security.”

The Calabrian made such a gesture, as one initiated uses, when he would express a confidence in his own shrewdness.  While the pretended Roderigo re-entered his gondola, Stefano began to awaken his people.  As the gondola entered the canal of San Marco, the sails of the felucca fell, and the low Calabrian vessel stole along the tiers towards the clear water beyond.

The boat quickly touched the steps of the water-gate of the palace.  Gelsomina entered the arch, and glided up the Giant’s Stairway, the route by which she had quitted the palace.  The halberdier was the same that watched as she went out.  He spoke to her, in gallantry, but offered no impediment to her entrance.

“Haste, noble ladies, hasten for the love of the Holy Virgin!” exclaimed Gelsomina, as she burst into the room in which Donna Violetta and her companion awaited her appearance.  “I have endangered your liberty by my weakness, and there is not a moment to lose.  Follow while you may, nor stop to whisper even a prayer.”

“Thou art hurried and breathless,” returned Donna Florinda; “hast thou seen the Duca di Sant’ Agata?”

“Nay, question me not, but follow, noble dames.”  Gelsomina seized the lamp, and casting a glance that appealed strongly to her visitors for tacit compliance, she led the way into the corridors.  It is scarcely necessary to say that she was followed.

The prison was left in safety, the Bridge of Sighs was passed, for it will be remembered that Gelsomina was still mistress of the keys, and the party went swiftly by the great stairs of the palace into the open gallery.  No obstruction was offered to their progress, and they all descended to the court, with the quiet demeanor of females who went out on their ordinary affairs.

Jacopo awaited at the water-gate.  In less than a minute he was driving his gondola across the port, following the course of the felucca, whose white sail was visible in the moonlight, now bellying in the breeze, and now flapping as the mariners checked her speed.  Gelsomina watched their progress for a moment in breathless interest, and then she crossed the bridge of the quay, and entered the prison by its public gate.

“Hast thou made sure of the old ’Maso’s daughter?” demanded Jacopo, on reaching the deck of the Bella Sorrentina again.

“She is like shifting ballast, Master Roderigo; first on one side of the cabin, and then on the other; but you see the bolt is undrawn.”

“’Tis well:  here is more of thy freight; thou hast the proper passes for the galley of the guard?”

“All is in excellent order, Signore; when was Stefano Milano out of rule in a matter of haste?  Diamine! let the breeze come, and though the Senate should wish us back again, it might send all its sbirri after us in vain.”