"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.