"The Signoria hath had warnings without end," the Chief of the Ten was
explaining hastily to Father Gianmaria, as they strolled toward the
chapel. "The Holy Father wanteth him out of Venice, since he hath been
Consultore--for the man is a marvel! But he would rather have him alive
than dead--as the learned Scioppius hath explained, not long since, to
Fra Paolo himself! And this whole plot hath been unveiled to us by one
who watcheth secretly in Rome for the interest of Venice, since there
hath been no open communication. It was hatched in the Orsini palace, in
that holy city, not unknown to some of their Eminences; the chief
accomplices are friars--we have the names of the other two; and Piero
Salin is on the watch. The stakes are high for the friars' game--five
thousand _scudi_ apiece and a promise of Church preferment; but Piero
Salin hath ways of doing his duty! The Senate will send orders for the
better protection of its Consultore; meanwhile let him not venture forth
without two ducal guards.
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