"It was a sudden malady that bade me seek my cell," he gasped. "I knew not that your Excellency had need of me."
He was a ghastly thing in his fear.
The inexorable Chief of the Ten surveyed him in silence for a brief moment that seemed unending.
"Ay, Fra Antonio, we have need of thee—more than another. For word hath reached Venice, privately, from special friendly sources in Rome, that thou art come hither charged with a message of vital import to a trusted servant of the Republic. Thou hast leave of the Signoria to declare it in this presence."
Fra Antonio opened his dry lips and framed some words of which he heard no echo.
"The Inquiry of Venice is satisfied," said the Chief. "Thou art the man whom we seek. Conduct him to the gondola of the Piombi."
Fra Antonio fell upon his knees in wild supplication as the guards gathered around him, but the Father Superior detained them with a prohibitory motion.
"I crave your Excellency's pardon. For the better ruling of this community and the clearing of all the innocent among our brotherhood, I have summoned hither every soul under my rule. That no scandal may arise, your Excellency will permit that the charge under which this arrest is made be declared."
Assent was given by an impatient gesture.
"Fra Antonio, while he hath been a recipient of our hospitality," said the Superior, "is described by trustworthy advices from our Chapter in Rome, but just received, as a person who hath designs upon the life of a member of this community."