From this moment the cries against the fisherman diminished, and as the Bucentaur, though still distant, was now in sight, interest in the issue of the race absorbed all other feelings.
Enrico still kept the lead; but the judges of the gondolier's skill began to detect signs of exhaustion in his faltering stroke.

The waterman of the Lido pressed him hard, and the Calabrian was drawing more into a line with them both.

At this moment, too, the masked competitor exhibited a force and skill that none had expected to see in one of his supposed rank.

His body was thrown more upon the effort of the oar, and as his leg was stretched behind to aid the stroke, it discovered a volume of muscle, and an excellence of proportion, that excited murmurs of applause.

The consequence was soon apparent.