“You have got me out of all my scrapes hitherto, Francisco, and you must see me safely through this.”

As Signor Polani also declared that it was not to be thought of, that Francis should leave until after the marriage, he was obliged to remain for it.  He was glad, however, when it was over, for he found the time on shore more tedious than usual.  The girls were taken up with the preparations for the ceremony, and visitors were constantly coming and going, and the house was not like itself.

But even when the marriage was over, he was forced to remain some time longer in Venice.  The Genoese fleets were keeping the sea, and Pisani had not, since the battle of Antium, succeeded in coming up with them.  The consequence was that commerce was at a standstill, for the risk of capture was so great that the merchants ceased to send their ships to sea.

“The profit would not repay us for the risk, Francisco,” the merchant said one day when they were talking over it.  “If only one cargo in ten fell into their hands the profit off the other nine would be swept away; but as I see that you are longing to be afloat again, you can, if you like, join one of the state galleys which start next week to reinforce Pisani’s fleet.

“The last time Pisani wrote to me he said how glad he should be to have you with him; and after your service at Antium, I have no doubt whatever that I could procure for you a post as second in command in one of the ships.  What do you say?”

“I should certainly like it, signor, greatly; but, as you said before, it would be a mere waste of time for me to take service with the state, when I am determined upon the vocation of a merchant.”

“I did say that, Francis, and meant it at the time; but at present trade is, as you see, at a standstill, so you would not be losing time, and, in the next place, it is always an advantage, even to a trader, to stand well with the state.  Here in Venice all the great merchants are of noble family, and trade is no bar to occupying the highest offices of the state.  Many of our doges have been merchants; while merchants are often soldiers, diplomatists, or governors, as the state requires their services.

“You have already, you see, obtained considerable benefit by the action at Antium.  I do not say that you would derive any direct benefit, even were you to distinguish yourself again as highly as on that occasion.  Still, it is always well to gain the consideration of your fellows, and to be popular with the people.  Therefore, if you would like to take service with the state until this affair is decided with Genoa, and the seas are again open to our ships, I think it will be advantageous to you rather than not.”

“Then, with your permission I will certainly do so, signor,” Francis said.  “Of course I should prefer to go as an officer on board one of the ships; but if not, I will go as a volunteer.”

“You need not fear about that, Francis.  With my influence, and that of the Giustiniani, and the repute you have gained for yourself, you may be sure of an appointment.  Rufino would have commanded one of the ships had it not been for his marriage.”