The prince bowed to advice which he well knew must be respected, and he assumed his former tone.
"If none will acquaint me with your wants, I must command you to retire, and while my parental heart grieves----"
"Giustizia!" repeated the hidden member of the crowd.
"Name thy wants, that we may know them."
"Highness! deign to look at this!"
One bolder than the rest had turned the body of Antonio to the moon, in a manner to expose the ghastly features, and, as he spoke, he pointed towards the spectacle he had prepared. The prince started at the unexpected sight, and, slowly descending the steps, closely accompanied by his companions and his guards, he paused over the body.
"Has the assassin done this?" he asked, after looking at the dead fisherman, and crossing himself. "What could the end of one like this profit a Bravo? Haply the unfortunate man hath fallen in a broil of his class?"
"Neither, illustrious Doge! we fear that Antonio has suffered for the displeasure of St. Mark!"
"Antonio! Is this the hardy fisherman who would have taught us how to rule in the state regatta!"
"Eccellenza, it is," returned the simple laborer of the Lagunes, "and a better hand with a net, or a truer friend in need, never rowed a gondola to or from the Lido. Diavolo! It would have done your highness pleasure to have seen the poor old Christian among us, on a saint's day, taking the lead in our little ceremonies, and teaching us the manner in which our fathers used to do credit to the craft!"