He has very powerful connections, you know, Matteo; and if I have gained friends, I shall also have gained enemies by the night's work." "That is so," Matteo agreed.

"For your sake, I own that I hope that Ruggiero is at present at the bottom of the canal.

He was certainly no credit to his friends; and although they would of course have stood by him, I do not think they will feel, at heart, in any way displeased to know that he will trouble them no longer.

But if his men got him out again, I should say you had best be careful, for Ruggiero is about the last man in Venice I should care to have as an enemy.

However, we won't look at the unpleasant side of the matter, and will hope that his career has been brought to a close." "I don't know which way to hope," Francis said gravely.