Polani had also exerted the great influence he possessed among the commercial classes, and had aided the efforts of Francis, by giving leave to the sailors of all his ships in port to go on shore.  A few hours after Pisani’s release the merchant, accompanied by Francis, called upon him.

“Welcome, my friends,” he said heartily.

“Well, you see, Messer Hammond, that I was a true prophet, and that I have had my share of the dungeon.  However, we need not talk of that now.  I am up to my eyes in business.”

“I have no doubt of that, admiral,” Polani said.  “I have called to offer every ship I have in the harbour, for the defence of the city.  I myself will continue to pay their crews, as at present.  Use the vessels as you like.  Make fire ships of them if you will.  I can afford the loss.”

“Thanks, my friend,” the admiral said.  “We shall find a use for them, never fear.

“As for you, Messer Hammond, even in my prison I heard of your gallant feat, in recapturing the Pluto and three other ships from the Genoese, and thus retrieving, to some extent, the losses of Pola.  I hope to wipe off the rest of the score before long.  I shall find a command for you, in a day or two.  Age and rank go for nothing now.  I am going to put the best men in the best position.

“I have just appointed that old rascal, Corbaro, vice admiral of the Lido.  He is a grumbling old scoundrel, and would have had me get up a revolution today, for which I had to knock him down; but he is one of the best sailors Venice ever turned out, and just the man for the place.”

“I would rather act as a general aide-de-camp to you, admiral, than have a separate command, if you will allow me,” Francis said.  “I am still too young to command, and should be thwarted by rivalry and jealousies.  I would, therefore, far rather act under your immediate orders, if you will allow me.”

“So be it, then, lad.  Come to me tomorrow, and I have no doubt I shall have plenty for you to do.  At present, I cannot say what course I may adopt, for in truth, I don’t know what position I shall hold.  The people do not seem content with my having only the government of Lido; but for myself, I care nothing whether I hold that command, or that of captain general.  It is all one to me, so that I can serve the republic.  And Giustiniani is an able man, and will no doubt do his business well.

“You do not think so, young man?” he broke off, when Francis shook his head.

“I do not, indeed, sir.  He has erected two wooden towers at the mouth of the Lido, which the first stone from a Genoese ballista would knock to splinters; and has put up a fence to San Spirito, which a Genoese soldier in full armour could jump over.”

“Well, we shall see, Messer Hammond,” the admiral said, smiling.  “I fear you have one bad quality among your many good ones, and that is that you are a partisan.  But go along now.  I have no more time to spare to you.”