“A fisherman,” continued Antonio, observing that he hesitated—­“Signore, adieu; I would not part in anger with my foster-brother, and I pray the saints to bless you and your house.  May you never know the grief of losing a child by a fate far worse than death—­that of destruction by vice.”

As Antonio ceased, he made his reverence and departed by the way he had entered.  He retired unnoticed, for the senator averted his eyes with a secret consciousness of the force of what the other in his simplicity had uttered; and it was some time before the latter knew he was alone.  Another step, however, soon diverted his attention.  The door re-opened, and a menial appeared.  He announced that one without sought a private audience.

“Let him enter,” answered the ready senator, smoothing his features to the customary cautious and distrustful expression.

The servant withdrew, when one masked and wearing a cloak quickly entered the room.  When the latter instrument of disguise was thrown upon an arm, and the visor was removed, the form and face of the dreaded Jacopo became visible.

CHAPTER VI.

“Caesar himself has work, and our oppression
Exceeds what we expected.” 
SHAKSPEARE.

“Didst thou note him that left me?” eagerly demanded the Signer Gradenigo.

“I did.”

“Enough so to recognise form and countenance?”

“’Twas a fisherman of the Lagunes, named Antonio.”

The senator dropped the extended limb, and regarded the Bravo with a look in which surprise and admiration were equally blended.  He resumed his course up and down the room, while his companion stood waiting his pleasure in an attitude so calm as to be dignified.  A few minutes were wasted in this abstraction.

“Thou art quick of sight, Jacopo!” continued the patrician, breaking the pause—­“Hast thou had dealings with the man?”

“Never.”

“Thou art certain it is—­”

“Your eccellenza’s foster-brother.”

“I did not inquire into thy knowledge of his infancy and origin, but of his present state,” returned the Signor Gradenigo, turning away to conceal his countenance from the glowing eye of Jacopo—­“Has he been named to thee by any in authority?”

“He has not—­my mission does not lie with fishermen.”

“Duty may lead us into still humbler society, young man.  They who are charged with the grievous burden of the state, must not consider the quality of the load they carry.  In what manner hath this Antonio come to thy knowledge?”

“I have known him as one esteemed by his fellows—­a man skilful in his craft, and long practised in the mystery of the Lagunes.”

“He is a defrauder of the revenue, thou would’st be understood to say?”

“I would not.  He toils too late and early to have other means of support than labor.”

“Thou knowest, Jacopo, the severity of our laws in matters that concern the public moneys?”