"Now, my man," he said, addressing Zorzi again, "if there is anything I can do for you or your family after your death, without risking my neck, I will do it with pleasure." "I have no family, but I thank you for your offer.

In return for your courtesy, I warn you that my master's skiff is fast to the step of the house.

It might be recognised.

When you have killed me, you had better cast it off--it will drift away with the tide." Venier, who had let the point of his long dagger rest against Zorzi's collar, suddenly dropped it.
"Contarini," he said, "I take back what I said.

It would be an abominable shame to murder a man as brave as he is." A murmur of approval came from all the company; but Contarini, whose vacillating nature showed itself at every turn, was now inclined to take the other side.
"He may ruin us all," he said.