As he moved along the deck of the Bucentaur, the senators made way, as if pestilence was in his path, though it was quite apparent, by the expression of their faces, that it was in obedience to a feeling of a mixed character.

The avoided, but still tolerated Bravo descended to his gondola, and the usual signals were given to the multitude beneath, who believed the customary ceremonies were ended.
"Let the gondolier of Don Camillo Monforte stand forth," cried a herald, obedient to the beck of a superior.
"Highness, here," answered Gino, troubled and hurried.
"Thou art of Calabria ?" "Highness, yes." "But of long practice on our Venetian canals or thy gondola could never have outstripped those of the readiest oarsmen.

Thou servest a noble master ?" "Highness, yes." "And it would seem that the Duke of St.Agata is happy in the possession of an honest and faithful follower ?" "Highness, too happy." "Kneel, and receive the reward of thy resolution and skill." Gino, unlike those who had preceded him, bent a willing knee to the deck, and took the prize with a low and humble inclination of the body.
At this moment the attention of the spectators was drawn from the short and simple ceremony by a loud shout, which arose from the water at no great distance from the privileged bark of the senate.

A common movement drew all to the side of the galley, and the successful gondolier was quickly forgotten.
A hundred boats were moving in a body towards the Lido, while the space they covered on the water presented one compact mass of the red caps of fishermen.

In the midst of this marine picture was seen the bare head of Antonio, borne along in the floating multitude, without any effort of his own.