"This for the need of the cause in thy hand," said Piero, passing him a
purse of gold. "But gold is worthless to this token which shall win thee
the hearing of the bancali, and the aid of every loyal son of San
Nicolo, and shall be proof that thou bearest my orders and my trust."
The trust was great--the bancali were the governing board of the
traghetti.
Antonio unfastened his doublet and secured the precious token under his
belt.
"Command then, caro padrone."
"Slacken thy pace, for this may be our last speech together. Are those
who follow true as thou?"
"Messer Gastaldo," Antonio answered with reluctance, "by signs which be
but trifles to relate,--by a word dropped in Padua, and not for mine
ear,--one of them--I know not which--hath, perchance, affair with a
master mightier than thou." He made the usual gesture which indicated
the Three of that terrible Inquisition whose name was better left
unsaid--a sign much used in Venice where the very walls had ears.
It was a blow to Piero, but he wasted no words.
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