My first step was to set a watch round the house, with the order to arrest any who might come and inquire for him.

No one, however, came.
"The news, indeed, of the sudden arrival of a state galley, at that hour, had caused some excitement in the place, and his agents might well have heard of it upon their arrival.

I agree with you in thinking they are not in the town, but this makes the search all the more difficult.

The question is, what ought we to do next ?" "The reward that you have offered will certainly bring you news, signor, if any, save those absolutely concerned, have observed anything suspicious; but I should send to all the fishing villages, on the islets and on the mainland, to publish the news of the reward you have offered.

Beyond that, I do not see that anything can be done; and I, too, have thought of nothing else since Matteo brought me the news of their being carried off.