Besides which, you accompanied the expedition, and acted as its guide to the hut.

Part of this they will learn from the servants of the house, part of it they may get out from the sailors, who, over their wine cups, are not given to reticence.

The council may not have pressed Polani on this point, but, take my word for it, some of them, at least, will endeavour to get to the bottom of it, especially Mocenigo's connections, who will naturally be alarmed at the thought that there is somewhere a traitor among their own ranks.
"The affair has become very serious, Francis, and far beyond the compass of a boyish scrape, and no time must be lost in getting you out of Venice.

I have no doubt Polani will see the matter in the same light, for he knows the ways of his countrymen even better than I do." The interview between the two traders was a long one.

At its conclusion Francis was sent for.
"Francis," his father said, "Signor Polani has had the kindness to make me offers of a most generous nature." "Not at all, Messer Hammond," the Venetian interrupted.