Men of Venice, for you Cattrina and his House are dead." "Will none take up his cause and fight for him ?" asked Hugh through Sir Geoffrey, and presently, at the Doge's command, the challenge was repeated thrice by the herald.

But to it no answer came.

Of this afterward Hugh was glad, since it was Cattrina's life he sought, not that of any other man.

Then Hugh spoke again, saying: "I claim, O Illustrious, that I be written down as victor in this combat to the death, bloodless through no fault of mine." "It shall be so written, noble Hugh de Cressi," said the Doge.

"Let all Venice take notice thereof." As the words left his lips the solid earth began to heave and rock.
At the first heave Hugh leaped from his horse, which screamed aloud and fled away, and gripped hold of Grey Dick.