It is scarcely
necessary to say that she was followed.
The prison was left in safety, the Bridge of Sighs was passed, for it
will be remembered that Gelsomina was still mistress of the keys, and
the party went swiftly by the great stairs of the palace into the open
gallery. No obstruction was offered to their progress, and they all
descended to the court, with the quiet demeanor of females who went out
on their ordinary affairs.
Jacopo awaited at the water-gate. In less than a minute he was driving
his gondola across the port, following the course of the felucca, whose
white sail was visible in the moonlight, now bellying in the breeze, and
now flapping as the mariners checked her speed. Gelsomina watched their
progress for a moment in breathless interest, and then she crossed the
bridge of the quay, and entered the prison by its public gate.
"Hast thou made sure of the old 'Maso's daughter?" demanded Jacopo, on
reaching the deck of the Bella Sorrentina again.
"She is like shifting ballast, Master Roderigo; first on one side of the
cabin, and then on the other; but you see the bolt is undrawn."
"'Tis well: here is more of thy freight; thou hast the proper passes for
the galley of the guard?"
"All is in excellent order, Signore; when was Stefano Milano out of rule
in a matter of haste? Diamine! let the breeze come, and though the
Senate should wish us back again, it might send all its sbirri after us
in vain.
Pages:
419
420
421
422
423
424
425
426
427
428
429
430
431
432
433
434
435
436
437
438
439
440
441
442
443