“You must go down to the port at once, Francis.  News has been received from Pisani that he has sailed almost into the port of Genoa, without finding the fleet of Fieschi.  The Genoese have been in a terrible state of panic.  The Lord of Fiesole, who is our ally, is menacing the city by land; the Stella Company of Condottieri, which is in our pay, is also marching against them; and the news that Pisani was close at hand seems to have frightened them out of their senses.  Their first step, as usual, has been to depose their doge and choose another.

“However, that is not the point.  Pisani has written asking that some ships with provisions and stores shall be sent out to him.  They are to go through the Straits of Messina and up the coast of Italy until he meets them.  His force is far too small for him to think of making an attack upon Genoa.  He will wait in the neighbourhood of the city for a short time in hopes of Fieschi’s fleet returning.  If it does not do so he will come down the coast searching for it, and as he does not wish to put in port, he desires the stores mentioned to be sent out to him.

“I have placed the Bonito at their service, and have promised that she shall be ready to sail tomorrow morning, if they will send the stores on board today.  Three other merchants placed ships at their disposal, but these may not sail for a day or two.  They are particularly anxious that the Bonito shall start at once, as, in addition to provisions, she will carry a store of javelins, arrows, and other missiles of which there was not a sufficiency in the arsenal when Pisani sailed.

“You will have a strong party on board, as speed is required, and the oars must be kept going until you join the fleet.  Therefore I shall place the crew of the Lido on board as well as the Bonito’s own complement, and this will bring the number up to a hundred men.  The captain has had an accident, and will not be able to go in charge, therefore the Lido’s captain will command.  This time I shall appoint you specifically second in command, as well as my representative.  Now get off on board as quickly as you can, for there is enough to keep you at work, till tomorrow morning, to get everything in readiness for a start.  You had best run in and say goodbye to my daughters, as it may be that you will not find time to return before sailing.  You can send your boy ashore for what things you require.  Matteo will accompany you.”

A few minutes later, Francis was on his way to the port, leaving Giuseppi to charter a gondola and follow with his trunks.  As Polani had said, he was occupied without intermission until the time for sailing next morning.  The barges of the state kept coming alongside with stores and provisions from the arsenal; while other boats brought out the ship’s stores; and Francis had to take a note of all that came on board.

The captain superintended the setting up of the rigging, and the getting of the ship into working order; while the under officers saw to the hoisting in and storing of the cargo.  Gangs of men were at work tarring the sides of the ship, for she had only two days before returned from a trip to Spain; and a number of sailors were unloading the cargo from one hatchway, while her fresh freight was being taken in at the other.