The route now became confused to the fisherman, for, quitting the more public vomitories of the palace, his companion held his way by a secret door, through many dimly lighted and obscure passages.

They ascended and descended frequently, as often quitting or entering rooms of but ordinary dimensions and decorations, until the head of Antonio was completely turned, and he no longer knew the general direction of their course.

At length they stopped in an apartment of inferior ornaments, and of a dusky color, which the feeble light rendered still more gloomy.
"Thou art well acquainted with the dwelling of our prince," said the fisherman, when his companion enabled him to speak, by checking his swift movements.

"The oldest gondolier of Venice is not more ready on the canals, than thou appearest to be among these galleries and corridors." "'Tis my business to bring thee hither, and what I am to do, I endeavor to do well.

Antonio, thou art a man that feareth not to stand in the presence of the great, as this day hath shown.