Gelsomina paled as she added--"They have drawn
the bolts within!"
"No matter; I will go down by the court of the palace, and boldly pass
the halberdier unmasked."
Gelsomina, after all, saw but little risk of his being known by the
mercenaries who served the Doge, and, anxious to relieve him from so
awkward a position, she flew back to the other end of the gallery.
Another key was applied to the door by which they had just entered, with
the same result. Gelsomina staggered back, and sought support against
the waft.
"We can neither return nor proceed!" she exclaimed, frightened she knew
not why.
"I see it all," answered Jacopo, "we are prisoners on the fatal bridge."
As he spoke, the Bravo calmly removed his mask, and showed the
countenance of a man whose resolution was at its height.
"Santa Madre di Dio! what can it mean?"
"That we have passed here once too often, love. The council is tender of
these visits."
The bolts of both doors grated, and the hinges creaked at the same
instant. An officer of the inquisition entered armed, and bearing
manacles. Gelsomina shrieked, but Jacopo moved not limb or muscle, while
he was fettered and chained.
"I too!" cried his frantic companion. "I am the most guilty--bind
me--cast me into a cell, but let poor Carlo go."
"Carlo!" echoed an officer, laughing unfeelingly.
"Is it such a crime to seek a father in his prison! They knew of his
visits--they permitted them--he has only mistaken the hour.
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