It was during this moment of change that a powerfully manned gondola
swept, with strong strokes, out of a lateral passage into the Great
Canal. Accident brought it directly in front of the moving phalanx of
boats that was coming down the same channel. Its crew seemed staggered
by the extraordinary appearance which met their view, and for an
instant its course was undecided.
"A gondola of the Republic!" shouted fifty fishermen. A single voice
added--"Canale Orfano!"
The bare suspicion of such an errand, as was implied by the latter
words, and at that moment, was sufficient to excite the mob. They raised
a cry of denunciation, and some twenty boats made a furious
demonstration of pursuit. The menace, however, was sufficient; for
quicker far than the movements of the pursuers, the gondoliers of the
Republic dashed towards the shore, and leaping on one of those passages
of planks which encircle so many of the palaces of Venice, they
disappeared by an alley.
Encouraged by this success, the fishermen seized the boat as a waif, and
towed it into their own fleet, filling the air with cries of triumph.
Curiosity led a few to enter the hearse-like canopy, whence they
immediately reissued dragging forth a priest.
"Who art thou?" hoarsely demanded he who took upon himself the authority
of a leader.
"A Carmelite, and a servant of God!"
"Dost thou serve St. Mark? Hast thou been to the Canale Orfano to shrive
a wretch?"
"I am here in attendance on a young and noble lady, who has need of my
counsel and prayers.
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