They shall not risk the people's good for
the poor life of one leader!"
"Padrone!" Antonio cried, with flashing eyes. "Commandi altro?" ("Hast
thou other commands?")
"None, save that if I return not--and not otherwise--thou shalt seek
with my token the Master Girolamo Magagnati; thou shalt tell him of this
my confidence, holding nothing back; and thou shalt pray him, of his
honor, to discharge the debt which may be found lacking in the treasury
of the Nicolotti,--since the moneys have been taken for the need of the
lady on her journey,--the which, if I return, I have means, and more, to
repay."
The two men grasped hands and looked into each other's eyes for a brief
recording moment, having each touched that _best_ in the other which was
not shown to all men, and so begotten trust each in each.
"By the Holy Madonna and San Nicolo, I will not fail!" Antonio promised,
and in a moment had seized his oar again and was springing forward on
the bridge of his gondola, as if his thoughts were light and rhythmic as
his motions.
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