What say you ?" "I, Illustrious ?" he answered in his rich voice, drawling out his words like one who is weary.

"Oh, of course, I say that if yon brawler wishes to find a grave in fair Venice, which is more than he deserves, I am not the man to thwart him, seeing that his cut-throat King----" "As the ambassador of that King I protest," broke in Sir Geoffrey.

"It is an insult that such a word should be used before me." "I accept the protest of his Excellency, who forgot his noble presence," replied Cattrina bowing back.

"Seeing that his King, who is not a cut-throat"-- here a titter of laughter went through the company, though it was evident from the frown upon his face that the Doge liked the jest ill--"has chosen to make a knight of this de Cressi.

Or so he says, which will show you, friends all, how hard it must be to find gentlemen in England." Again the company tittered, though Dick's grey face turned scarlet and he bit upon his pale lip until the blood ran.
"As you accept the challenge," broke in the Doge shortly, "cease from gibes, my lord, which more befit an angry woman's mouth than that of one whose life is about to be put to hazard, and take up the gage of his Grace of England." Cattrina looked round and bade a page who waited on his person obey the Doge's command, saying: "Your pardon, most Illustrious, if I do not touch that glove myself, as it seems somewhat foul.