The old man looked at him inquiringly, and Zorzi bent his head a little to explain that he had done what had been required of him, and he followed his master across the wooden bridge.

When they were alone in the laboratory, he told as much of his story as was necessary.
He had found the lord Jacopo Contarini at his house with a party of friends, he said, and he added at once that they were all men.

Contarini had bidden him speak before them all, but he had whispered his message so that only Contarini should hear it.

After a time he had been allowed to come away.

No--Contarini had given no direct answer, he had sent no reply; he had only said aloud to his friends that the message he received was expected.