This powder hath
a marvelous power to still the blood which floweth over-swiftly----"
"We have proof more than sufficient for the arrest, your Excellency,"
interposed the officer of the guards, as he gave the signal. "And no
deposition can be taken here, for the man hath fainted from his fright."
But almost unnoticed the guards bore their burden from the cloister to
the gondola of the prisons of the Piombi; for it had taken but a moment
to complete the unfinished tale in the minds of the listeners, and with
one accord they were gathering about Fra Paolo, eager to express their
loyalty, their indignation, their gratitude for his escape.
The court was in a tumult. "Fra Paolo!" "_Our_ Fra Paolo!" mingled with
bursts of vehement condemnation and rapid questions. "Our Consultore!"
"And because he is necessary to Venice!"
The chimes of the chapel sounding joyously broke in upon these
demonstrations, and two little choristers came running back to tell them
that, by order of Fra Gianmaria, a Te Deum for the safety of Fra Paolo
would be sung, in lieu of the interrupted vesper service.
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