Francis kept looking over his shoulder, and when he saw its bow gliding up within a few feet of her stern he exclaimed "Now!" and, with a sudden turn, the gondola again swept out seaward.
Their pursuer rushed on for a length or two before she could sweep round, while a volley of imprecations and threats burst from three men who were standing up in her with drawn swords.

Francis and Giuseppi were now rowing less strongly, and gaining breath for their next effort.

When the gondola again came up to them they swept round to the left, and as their pursuers followed they headed for the Grand Canal.
"Make for the steps of Santa Maria church.

We will jump out there and trust to our feet." The two lads put out all their strength now.

They were some three boats' lengths ahead before their pursuers were fairly on their track.
They were now rowing for life, for they knew that they could hardly succeed in doubling again, and that the gondola behind them was so well handled, that they could not gain on it at the turnings were they to venture into the narrow channels.