Once in the dungeons of Saint Mark it would be of no use to plead that you had entered into the affair simply for the amusement.

The fact that you were not a regular boatman would make the matter all the worse, and the maxim that 'dead men tell no tales' is largely acted upon in Venice.
"I think, sir, the best plan will be to row straight back, and leave our fare to find his way home as best he may." "I mean to find something out about it if I can, Giuseppi.

A state secret may be dangerous, but it may be valuable.

Anyhow, there can be no great risk in it.

On the water I think we can show our heels to anyone who chases us; and once in Venice, we are absolutely safe, for no one would suspect a gondola of Mr.Hammond, the English merchant, of having any connection with a hired craft with its two gondoliers." "That is true enough, sir; but I don't like it for all that.