But how did it all come about ?" "If you will take me to the Piazza in your gondola, I will tell you all about on the way," Francis replied.

"For, absurd as it seems, I am the senior officer of the squadron, and must, I suppose, report to the council what has happened." "Take me, too, kinsman," Matteo said.

"I know Francisco so well that I am quite sure that, of himself, he will never tell the facts of this affair, and will simply say that we broke out, avoiding all mention of his share in it, and how it was that under his orders we recaptured the other ships." "I think that a very good plan, Matteo; so do you come with us, and you shall tell me all about it, instead of my hearing it from Francis, and I will take care the council know the truth of the matter." "The admiral got safely back, I hope ?" Francis asked.

"We saw that his galley, with five others, broke through the Genoese fleet and got safely away, but of course, we knew not whether the brave admiral was himself hurt." "He arrived here safely," Polani replied; "but knowing the Venetians as you do, you will be scarcely surprised to hear that he has been sentenced to six months' imprisonment, for losing the battle." "But that is shameful," Francis exclaimed indignantly.

"I heard from our captain, who was present at the council, that Pisani was opposed to fighting, and that he was only overruled by the proveditors.