"Why do you leave us, Bartolomeo?" enquired Hugh. "A fair question, Messer Hugh, and I take it kindly that you ask it. Ay, it shows that you are not unmindful of old Bartolommeo's worth. Why, the truth is, there are affairs toward of which I may not speak. But the world will know in time, and Bartolommeo will be rewarded." "How goes the siege?" "Siege, say you? Nay, 'tis little enough of a siege. 'Tis more like a fly biting at the back of a bull. The bull flicks his tail, and the fly hangs on. But I say naught against the skill of my countrymen. Ay, I take pride in that I am a Venetian. For first, I have this incomparable compatriot here, Ranulphio, and next, I have those hardy varlets without the walls." "What have they done?" "The other night we launched fire-ships against them, planning to destroy their whole fleet. But think you they were dismayed or afraid? Not so. They sallied out in small boats to meet the fire-ships, turned them from their course and did not lose a single galley. A right seaman-like exploit. I am proud of such shipmasters." "Art in a proudful mood, Bartolommeo," said Sir James. "And the priests say that pride cometh before a fall." Bartolommeo roared with laughter and clapped his fellow-jailer on the back so hard that Ranulphio sputtered. "What a treat you will have, Ranulphio! Now do you gauge my trust in you--ay, and my affection--that I turn over to you two such rare souls! I would I might increase our acquaintance, Sir James. But 'tis not every day I may strangle an---- But I say too much. Be assured, fair sirs, I would not leave you, save there was greater game in sight. Pride cometh before a fall! Ay, there is to be a fall for the proud--such a fall as will shake the world." Ranulphio cackled shrilly in applause, and the two scoundrels left the dungeon arm in arm. "Now what meant he by that?" said Sir James wonderingly. "But, certes, 'tis strange enough they should trust another with me--the first time in all these years. They must be very sure of us." "There is some deep villainy afoot," replied Hugh. "Doubt it not, fair lord. Bartolommeo is the chief rogue of Mocenigo, and Mocenigo is the chief rogue of--well, whoever it may be hath paid him most. But tell me: hast ever seen this Ranulphio ere this?" "Nay, Hugh, he is a stranger, a rat of a man, 'twould seem." "Ay, but it sticks in my mind he is not a stranger to me. I would I might see clearly. But I may not. It is not the way he looks, but somewhat I cannot put my finger to." Three nights later the door of the dungeon clanged open, and a lighted torch was thrust inside. "Hugh!" Hugh bounded to his feet, blinded by the sudden light, dazed, unbelieving. He put out one hand and touched his father, who had risen at his side. "Who--who----" he faltered. "Hugh, it is I."