How was it the oar was in your hand instead of that of your gondolier ?" "I was myself rowing," Francis said.

"In London, rowing is an amusement of which boys of all classes are fond, and since I have been out here with my father I have learned to row a gondola; and sometimes, when I am out of an evening, I take an oar as well as my gondolier, enjoying the exercise and the speed at which the boat goes along.

I was not rowing when the signora's boat passed me, but upon hearing the screams, I stood up and took the second oar, to arrive as quickly as possible at the spot.

That was how it was that I had it in my hand, when the man was about to leap into the boat." "Then there is nothing at all, so far as you know, to direct your suspicion against anyone as the author of this attack ?" "There was nothing," Francis said, "either in the gondola itself, or in the attire or persons of those concerned in the fray, which could give me the slightest clue as to their identity." "At any rate, young gentleman," the doge said, "you appear to have behaved with a promptness, presence of mind, and courage--for it needs courage to interfere in a fray of this sort--beyond your years; and, in the name of the republic, I thank you for having prevented the commission of a grievous crime.

You will please to remain here for the present.