The fisherman obeyed; for little did it matter to one poor and heart-stricken as he, whither he was conducted.

Jacopo took the first entrance into the court of the Doge's palace.

His footstep was leisurely, and to the passing multitude they appeared like any others of the thousands who were abroad to breathe the soft air of the night, or to enter into the pleasures of the piazza.
When within the dimmer and broken light of the court, Jacopo paused, evidently to scan the persons of those it contained.

It is to be presumed he saw no reason to delay, for with a secret sign to his companion to follow, he crossed the area, and mounted the well known steps, down which the head of the Faliero had rolled, and which, from the statues on the summit, is called the Giant's Stairs.

The celebrated mouths of the lions were passed, and they were walking swiftly along the open gallery when they encountered a halberdier of the ducal guard.
"Who comes ?" demanded the mercenary, throwing forward his long and dangerous weapon.
"Friends to the state and to St.Mark." "None pass at this hour without the word." Jacopo motioned to Antonio to stand fast, while he drew nearer to the halberdier and whispered.