The entrance to the Canal of Lombardy, and the Brondolo passage, are both quite open, and there appear to be no troops anywhere near; but between Pelestrina and Brondolo they have rowboats watching the entrance, but no craft of any size.

There are a few troops there, but, so far as I could judge by the number of fires, not more than two hundred men or so." "Your news is excellent, Francisco.

I will not ask you more, now.

It is three o'clock already, and at five I must be up and doing; so get off to bed as soon as you can.

You can give me the details in the morning." The gondola was still waiting at the steps, and in a few minutes Francis arrived at the Palazzo Polani.