The Bravo turned his eye on the jewel with a look of interest, but his voice maintained its usual depth and steadiness as he answered—
"Signore, no—until now, I knew not the fortune of the fisherman."
A sign to the secretary caused him to resume his questions.
"Thou must account and clearly account, Antonio," he said, "for the manner in which the sacred ring came into thy possession; hadst thou any one to aid thee in obtaining it?"
"Signore, I had."
"Name him at once, that we take measures for his security."
"'Twill be useless, Signore; he is far above the power of Venice."
"What meanest thou, fellow? None are superior to the right and the force of the Republic that dwell within her limits. Answer without evasion, as thou valuest thy person."
"I should prize that which is of little value, Signore, and be guilty of a great folly as well as of a great sin, were I to deceive you to save a body old and worthless as mine from stripes. If your excellencies are willing to hear, you will find that I am no less willing to tell the manner in which I got the ring."
"Speak, then, and trifle not."