They rang twice at the bell at the land entrance, before a face appeared at the little window of the door, and asked who was there.
"I wish to see Signor Polani at once," Francis said.
"The signor retired to rest an hour ago," the man said.
"Never mind that," Francis replied.

"I am Francis Hammond, and I have important news to give him." As soon as the servitor recognized Francis' voice, he unbarred the door.
"Have you news of the ladies ?" he asked eagerly.
"I have news which will, I hope, lead to something," Francis replied.
A moment later the voice of Polani himself, who, although he had retired to his room, had not yet gone to sleep, was heard at the top of the grand stairs, inquiring who it was who had come so late; for although men had been arriving all day, with reports from the various islands and villages, he thought that no one would come at this hour unless his news were important.
Francis at once answered: "It is I, Signor Polani, Francis Hammond.

I have news which I think may be of importance, although I may be mistaken.

Still, it is certainly news that may lead to something." The merchant hurried down.
"What is it, Francisco?
What have you learned ?" "I have seen the woman Castaldi, and have followed her.

I do not know for certain where she was going, for we have been chased by a large gondola, and have narrowly escaped with our lives.