He was connected with the Polani family, and was at their house several times before he sailed.  Here he heard from his kinsman an account of the manner in which Francisco had saved the Bonito from being rammed by the pirates, and how he had succeeded in getting the Lido out of the hands of the Genoese; and he was so much pleased that he offered to take him with him in his galley, but Polani advised Francis not to accept the offer.

“It is quite true,” he said, “that most of our noble families are, like myself, engaged in commerce; and that one day they are trading as merchants and the next fighting under the state; but at present, if you take my advice, you will stick to the peaceful side of the profession; especially as, being an Englishman, you are in no way called upon to serve the state.  In another five or six years, if we are then at war, it will be different.  I have frequently offered galleys for the service of the state, and you can then take the command of one, and will, I have no doubt, distinguish yourself; but were you to enter now, you might remain in the service of the state for some years, and would be losing your time as a merchant.

“There are countries in which, when a man once takes up the profession of arms, he remains a soldier all his life, and may not only achieve honour but wealth and wide possessions.  It is not so in Venice.  Here we are all citizens as well as all soldiers if need be.  We fight for the state while a war lasts, and then return to our peaceful avocations.  Even my kinsman, Pisani, may be admiral of the fleet today, and a week hence may be a private citizen.  Therefore, my lad, I think it would be very foolish of you to give up commerce at present to take military service.”

“I quite agree with you, signor,” Francis said, although, in truth, for a moment he had felt a strong mind to accept the offer of Pisani.  “I am just beginning to learn a little of trade, and desire nothing better than to be a successful merchant; though I confess that I should like to take part in such a glorious sea fight as that which is likely to take place soon.”

“Yes, and perhaps be killed in the first engagement, Francis, for neither skill nor bravery avail against a bolt from a Genoese crossbow.  No, my lad, be content with trade, especially since you have seen already that even the life of a trader has plenty of incident and excitement.  What with storms, what with pirates, what with the enemies of the state and the treachery of the native peoples with whom we trade, there is no lack of adventure in the life of a Venetian merchant.”

Francis felt that this was true, and that he had in the past six months had fully his share in adventures.  His stay on shore this time extended over a month, and it was not until three weeks after Pisani sailed that he again set out.

The notice was a short one.  Polani had been sent for to attend the council early in the morning, and on his return he said to Francis: