His business arrangements were soon completed.

The harvest had been a good one, and there was an abundance of corn to be had at a cheap rate.

In half an hour he arranged for as large a quantity as the Lido would carry.
The work of loading soon commenced, and in four days the ship was full up to the hatches.

Francis went on shore to settle the various accounts, and was just making the last payment when Matteo ran into the office.
"Four Genoese galleys are entering the bay!" Francis ran out, and saw four Genoese galleys rowing in.
"It is too late to escape.

Even were we empty we could not get away; but laden as the Lido is, they could row three feet to her one." "What shall we do, Francisco ?" Francis stood for half a minute thinking.
"You had better stay here, Matteo.