'This is no time for talking,' Zeno said. 'When your Majesty is free and in safety we can talk at leisure.'
The knotted rope was coming in fast; Zeno threw it upon the floor behind him in a wide coil to keep it clear.
'Stop!' commanded the Emperor, laying one hand on the Venetian's arm.
Zeno set his foot on the rope to keep it from running out, and turned to the prisoner in surprise.
'Every moment is precious,' he said. 'If we are discovered from outside the tower the game is up, and we shall be caught like rats in a trap. I have a basket at the end of this rope in which you will be quite safe from falling, if that is what makes you hesitate. Fear nothing. We are two good men, I and my companion below.'
'You are a good man indeed, to have risked your life in climbing here,' answered Johannes.
He made a few steps, bending his still handsome head in thought. He limped slightly in his walk, and he was said to have only four toes on his left foot.
Zeno at once continued hauling up the rope, but a moment later the Emperor stopped close beside him.
'It is of no use,' he said; 'I cannot go with you.'
Zeno was thunderstruck, and stood still with the rope in his two hands.