During the long weeks the siege continued, Francis saw little of the Polanis, his duties keeping him constantly near Pisani, with whom he took such meals as the time would afford, sleeping in his house, in readiness for instant service.  Maria had returned to her father’s house, for her husband was in command of the outpost nearest to the enemy, and was therefore constantly away from home.  Maria’s spirits were higher than ever.  She made light of the hardships in the way of food, bantered Francis when he came on his business engagements, and affected to treat him with extreme respect, as the trusted lieutenant of Pisani.  Giulia, too, kept up her spirits, and no one would have thought, listening to the lively talk of the two girls with their father and Francis, that Venice was besieged by an overwhelming force, and reduced to the direst straits by hunger.

The greater part of Polani’s ships were now in the service of the state.  Those which remained, were constantly engaged in running across to the Dalmatian coast, and bringing in cargoes of provisions through the cordon of the Genoese galleys.

The light gondola which, after being repaired, had been lying for two years under cover in Messer Polani’s yard, had again been made useful.  Giuseppi had returned to his old work, and he and another powerful oarsman made the light boat fly through the water, as Francis carried the orders of the admiral to the various posts.  He had also been in it upon several of the reconnoitring expeditions, in the canals leading to Chioggia, and although hotly chased he had, on each occasion, left his pursuers behind.  The evening before the expedition was to start Pisani said to him: 

“I think you have brought me more news, with that fast little craft of yours, than I have been able to obtain even at the cost of some hard fighting, and a good many lives.  I wish that you would make an excursion for me tonight, and find out, if you can, whether the enemy have moved their position since the last time I reconnoitred them.  I particularly wish to learn if they have strong forces near the outlets of the channels of Chioggia, and Brondolo, and the Canal of Lombardy.  You know my plans, and with such a host of recruits as I shall have with me, it is all important that there should be no failure at first.  Veterans can stand defeat, but a reverse is fatal to young troops.  Heaven knows, they will have enough to bear, with wet, cold, exposure, and hunger, and success will be necessary to keep up their spirits.  Do not push your adventure too far.  Run no risk if you can help it.  I would not, for much, that harm befell you.”

Francis at once accepted the commission, and left the admiral in order to make his preparations.

“Giuseppi,” he said, as he took his place in the boat, “I want you to find for me, for service tonight, a gondolier who is a native of Chioggia, and who knows every foot of the country round, and every winding of the canals.  He must be intelligent and brave, for the risk will be no slight one.”