Let not the reader turn back to this page in
surprise, when he shall have reached the explanation of the tale, for
mysticisms quite as palpable, if not of so ruthless a character, have
been publicly acted by political bodies in his own times.
"There is now a specific and a frightful charge brought against thee,
Jacopo Frontoni," continued the secretary; "and, in tenderness of the
citizen's life, the dreaded Council itself hath taken the matter in
hand. Didst thou know a certain Antonio Vecchio, a fisherman here in our
Lagunes?"
"Signore, I knew him well of late, and much regret that it was only of
late."
"Thou knowest, too, that his body hath been found, drowned in the bay?"
Jacopo shuddered, signifying his assent merely by a sign. The effect of
this tacit acknowledgment on the youngest of the three was apparent, for
he turned to his companions, like one struck by the confession it
implied. His colleagues made dignified inclinations in return, and the
silent communication ceased.
"His death has excited discontent among his fellows, and its cause has
become a serious subject of inquiry for the illustrious Council."
"The death of the meanest man in Venice should call forth the care of
the patricians, Signore."
"Dost thou know, Jacopo, that thou art accused of being his murderer?"
"Signore, I do."
"It is said that thou earnest among the gondoliers in the late regatta,
and that, but for this aged fisherman, thou would'st have been winner of
the prize?"
"In that, rumor hath not lied, Signore.
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