"There can be no question," he exclaimed. "This lord, as is to be expected, writes in the large, round hand which is practised in England and North Europe. 'Tis impossible he could have composed the other parchment."
Boniface and his attendant barons—none of whom could do more than sign his name—scrutinised the two parchments closely; and all admitted the difference. It was so marked that it was palpable to the most unlettered man. There was no similarity betwixt the two writings whatsoever.
"This clears Messer Hugh of all suspicion," announced Boniface courteously. "How say you, Lord Doge?"
Dandolo had not pretended to examine the parchments, for his faint sight was a defect which it irked him to demonstrate in company.
"It pleases me to hear a unanimous verdict in the young lord's favour," he said readily. "In particular, because I could not comprehend how one of his promise could be guilty of such a crime. Messer Hugh, in common with all these lords, I cry your pardon. It seems that some one who is your enemy hath attempted to befool us. Have you any key to this person?"
"Nay, Lord Doge," answered Hugh, still bewildered by his rapid shifts of fortune. "I cannot say."
"Hast been attacked before?"
"Ay."
"By whom?"
"I know not—that is, I know not beyond question."