"On the other hand, it will gain for me an influential friend in Signor Polani, who is not only one of the richest merchants of Venice, but closely related to a number of the best families of the city." "His influence will not protect you against the point of a dagger," Giuseppi said.

"Your share in this business cannot but become public, and I think that it would be wise to give up our evening excursions at present." "I don't agree with you, Giuseppi.

We don't go about with torches burning, so no one who meets us is likely to recognize us.

One gondola in the dark is pretty much like another, and however many enemies I had, I should not be afraid of traversing the canals." The next morning, at breakfast time, Francis related to his father his adventure of the previous evening.
"It is a mistake, my son, to mix yourself up in broils which do not concern you; but in the present instance it may be that your adventure will turn out to be advantageous to your prospects.

Signor Polani is one of the most illustrious merchants of Venice.