He, however, gradually pushed forward two outposts, at Poreja and Malamocco, and on the latter island, at a distance of three miles from Venice, he erected a battery, many of whose shot fell at San Spirito.
Francis had borne his share in the events which had led to the installation of Pisani in the supreme command.

He had at first instigated the sailors of Polani to raise a cry in the streets for the restoration of the admiral, and had gone about with two or three of his friends, mingling with knots of persons, and urging that the only hope of the republic lay in the energy and talent of Pisani.

Even Matteo had joined him, although Taddeo Giustiniani was his own uncle.

But, as the lad said, "what matters it about relationship now?
What will become of relationship, if the Genoese and Paduans land here, raze the city to the ground, and scatter us over the face of the earth?
No.

When it comes to a question of ordinary command, of course I should go with my family; but when Venice is in danger, and only one man can save her, I should vote for him, whoever the other may be." Polani had also exerted the great influence he possessed among the commercial classes, and had aided the efforts of Francis, by giving leave to the sailors of all his ships in port to go on shore.