“Signors,” entreated the gondolier, “I entreat you a moment to wait, till I see what danger it is that has alarmed my sister. When I have reassured her, I will hasten to take you on your way.”
“All right, Reggio,” said Dick promptly. “We can wait. In fact, we’re in no haste.”
“Hum! ha!” coughed Zenas. “I am in haste to get out of this dark spot—indeed I am!”
“But you would not leave a lady in trouble, professor?” remonstrated Dick. “I know you would not do that, for you are the soul of chivalry. Where the fair sex is concerned, you are ever ready to face peril or death.”
“That’s right,” agreed the old pedagogue, bracing up. “You understand me perfectly, Richard. You are a very astute lad. Reggio, we will wait.”
“And,” added Dick, “if you need our assistance, you may depend on us.”
The gondolier poured out his thanks, swung the craft alongside some dark steps, fastened it to a ring of iron set in the marble, and then stepped out, saying he would make great haste.
He had not ascended more than three of the steps when he paused. At the same moment, from some dark nook, a figure stepped out above him.
“Who is there?” challenged the gondolier.
“A friend, Reggio Tortora,” came the answer, in perfect Italian, the voice being soft and musical.