"Perfectly, lord. We are used to all kinds of work, are we not, Giacomo?"
Giacomo bowed and wrinkled up his face, both at the same time, with frightful effect.
"I see you are dependable varlets," remarked Matteo. "You shall not lose by good service."
"Trust us, Magnificence," returned Beppo composedly. "Do we start now?"
"Anon. We must wait—Ah, here he comes."
Ralph ran through the gate, and halted on the landing, somewhat ill at ease in a flat cap and dark cloak such as were worn by the servants of the fondaco.
"Will this do, Messer Hugh?" he panted.
Hugh laughed.
"Well enough," he approved. "What say you, Matteo?"
"By Our Lady, he looks the part better than do we," protested the jongleur. "But in with you, Ralph. It draws toward evening, and we must survey our ground before the light fails."