Zorzi swung himself along the dark corridor on his crutches after Pasquale, who opened the outer door with his usual deliberation.

A little man stood outside in grey hose and a servant's dark coat, gathered in at the waist by a leathern belt.

He was clean shaven and his hair was cropped close to his head, which was bare, for he held his black hat in his hand.

Zorzi did not like his face.

He waited for Zorzi to speak first.
"Have you a message for me ?" asked the Dalmatian.