-


2
THE BRAVO'S SECRET; OR, THE SPY OF THE TEN.
22
27
66
my efforts."
time was extended; and, after various proro shall be sure to hear of his movements."
gations, it was, during the reign of Frances “Well," said the chief, as he rolled up a
co Dandolo, declared perpetual, under the small bundle of parchment, and placed it in
nanie of the “ Council of Ten,” and it has his bosom, “I had hoped to learn more of
since been one of the most important this bravo, but as it is we must wait for
features in that government. The peculiar further developments. Let all the cour-
office of this council is to protect the people tezans whom you can trust be set upon his
from the unjust exercise of power by the no track, and be sure that he does not leave
bility, and likewise to protect the State from Venice.”
the influence of treason and faction; conse “But why not arrest him and bring him
quently, it is not regulated by any stated before the council at once ? " suggested
laws, but is subject only to its own judg- Niccoli.
ment and the force of circumstances, and Because," answered the chief, that
is, moreover, entirely independent of the would spoil the whole; for we have reason to
senate. In order to carry out their plans, suspect that he is engaged in some con-
the Ten employ, as their spies, a crowd of spiracy, and in order to get at the secret we
monks, common prostitutes, gondoliers, and must move cautiously.”
lackeys, who are scattered all over Venice Very well,” returned the spy,
6 I will
and its dependencies, so that even the most do all I can, and you shall learn the result of
confidential servant of a noble may be a spy
upon his master's actions, ready to convey As Niccoli closed, he made a respectful
the intelligence of the slightest appearance bow to the councilors, and withdrew from
of treason to he dreade council.
the chamber, soon after which the council
The dark mantle of might had been for broke up, but with the understanding that
several hours spread over the city of Venice, they were to meet again on the following
and though midnight was near at hand, still night.
the Council of Ten was in session awaiting As Niccoli stepped from the council cham-
the arrival of one of its busiest spies. ber into the street, he drew his cloak up
Just as the bells on St. Mark, tolled the hour around the lower part of his face, and start-
of twelve, the Ten were relieved of their ed off at a quick walk. He was a powerfully
anxiety by the secret signal of the expected built man, with a countenance upon which
messenger, and the next moment he was one might gaze for a long time without ar-
ushered into their presence.
riving at any definite conclusions concerning
“ Well, Niccoli,” said the chief of the his true character, for there was a peculiar
council, “what news do you bring us of this expression of secret cunning about his
bravo ?"
quick, sharp eye and compressed lip, that
If you mean Martelino,” replied the spy, would baffle the keenest observer of human
“I can give you but little information.” nature, from the very fact that those linea-
" I do mean Martelino. Did you not see ments, by which one would seek to read his
him ? "
character, were ever changing in their signs
“Yes,” answered the spy, “I saw him at and tokens. From forty to fifty years must
one of the casinos over beyond San Paolo, have passed over his head, but his exact age
and I used every means in my power to get was as uncertain as his character. He had
at his character, and also to ascertain where been the chief spy of the Council of Ten for
he came from; but it was of no use, for he about five years, and to him was entrusted
seemed to mistrust in a moment what my the duties not only of looking after suspic-
intentions were, and he gave such answers ious characters, but also the power of estab-
that I was completely baffled. Of one thing, lishing the means of espionage wherever he
however, I am sure-he is engaged in some thought proper.
To the council he was a
business which he desires to keep secret, but most valuable servant, for during the time
whether it concerns only himself, or whether he had served them but one single individ-
it is aimed against the State, is more than I ual whom he sought had escaped him-not a
have yet been able to discover.”
cabal could exist, nor a secret meeting of
“ And what of the patrician Trivisano any kind take place, but their whole proced-
have you seen him ?" asked the chief. ings were known to the dreaded Niccoli.
“No, I have not seen him; but I have two No one knew how or where he gained his
trusty spies in his own household, and we intelligence, only they knew that all their
66


THE BRAVO'S SECRET; OR, THE SPY OF THE TEN.
shall leave the matter in your hands, and I years before, Giovanni Marcello, one of the
trust that you will exercise all the discrimin most powerful nobles of Venice, had been
ation you are master of in the work."
arrested for treason, and the council sen-
Pascal Modetti promised to do his best, tenced him to perpetual banishment, to-
and the Spy of the Ten seemed satisfied with gether with his whole family, and ordered
the result of the interview.
that the names and arms of the house of
As Niccoli stepped upon the pavement in Marcello should be stricken from the patri-
front of Trivisano's plazzo, a very close ob cian list. A few years after his banishment,
server might have seen a tear glisten in his the elder Marcello wrote to the senate, and
eye, but it was gone in a moment, and he asked that his son, Alberte, might be allowed
murmured:-
to return to his native city, and pursue his
“O Venice, I love thee as a mother, and I studies. “Though God knows that I am
swear to protect thee so long as there is one innocent of the crime you have imputed to
drop of blood in my veins!”
me, and perhaps He alone, yet you all know
my poor boy is innocent," wrote the ban-
ished noble, and so feelingly did he set forth
CHAPTER II.
his claims. that the council, which had been
formed since Marcello was banished, con-
THE TWO GONDOLAS.
sented that the boy might come to Venice,
On the evening succeeding the interview but with the proviso that he should take
of the spy and Pascal Modetti, a small gon some other name than that of his father, and
dola put off from a spot near Rialto, and that he should never lay claim to patrician
smoothly glided down the Grand Canal rank.
towards the long row of splendid palaces Under the name of Lioni, therefore, the
which flanked the water, raising their marble young Alberte came to his native city, and
walls over the moon-lit stream, and reflecting as he easily found friends, he had no diffi-
the bright beams of the full moon upon the culty in pursuing his studies. The stately
gently rippling surface, like silver glances palace which had once been his father's, and
from fairy eyes.
The boat was propelled by where his own feet had trod out their child-
a youth of not more than one-and-twenty ish gambols, was now in the possession of
summers,
whose whole form was Marino Trivisano; and often, as he passed its
thrown that peculiar grace and ease which marble front, would a tear start to his eye
never fails to arrest and enchain the atten while the thought of his poor father's suffer-
tion; but his countenance was the most ings came across his mind; for himself he
remarkable, for it presented a theme for cared but little, for he had already marked
deep study. There was none of that effemin out for himself a brilliant course of life, and
acy which marks the votary of ease and he even now pictured in the future a laurel
pleasure, and which so many mistake for wreath of fame for the name of Lioni, more
beauty; but though his face was pale and bright and lasting than the diamond of the
slightly haggard, still it was handsome in the ducal bonnet of Venice, or the mere bauble
extreme-handsome from the fact that there of pompous nobility.
was something there to be loved besides When Alberte Lioni dreamed this dream,
mere physical beanty, something which told he little knew what strange desires a few
of a pure and lofty mind, something which years might bring to his soul.
spoke to the sympathizing heart of a soul The youth had been in Venice but three
that beamed with all the finest gleams of years, when he received the melancholy in-
humanity. He was slightly built, but yet telligence of his father's death, who had not
finely moulded, and as he dexterously shot been able to stand up under the severe shock
his light craft along over the sparkling water, he had received. Six years had he dragged
steering clear of the hundreds of gondolas out in a foreign land, and then the name of
that crowded the canal, he frequently met a Marcello ceased to be spoken.
nod of recognition, and many a fair damsel In the letter which he indited to his son
turned her head and strained her love-lit just before his death, he wrote:-
eyes to watch the handsome youth as he 66 In a few short hours, Alberte, there
shot away out of sight.
will be none left to bear the name of my
Such was Alberte Lioni, one of the most house. You are forced to bear another, but
promising young artists of Venice. Twelve though people may only know you as Lioni,
over


THE BRAVO'S SECRET; OR, THE SPY OF THE TEN.
17
your daughter's account, for she would not tinued almost in a whisper, but with a most
surely bestow her love upon a poor,
tram intense earnestness, “ Once more, sir, I ask
pled youth.”
your answer. Tell me, not hastily, but
“She may never have ceased to feel”. calmly and considerately, were I once more
Vivaldi did not close the sentence, for as restored to the estate in which I was born,
he caught the expression of the young man's were I but clothed in the nobility which my
countenance, he was startled by the unwont patrician father lost, were I but permitted
ed fire that burned in his large, dark eyes, by the council and senate once more to wear
and he at once saw that he might have said the name of Marcello, might I have your
too much; but he had no time for reflection, permission to wed Lady Isidora ?”
for Alberte quickly said:-
“Be calm, I pray you,” urged Vivaldi, as
“ Tell me, sir, tell me truly; I swear by he forced the youth back in his chair. “Your
the memory of my sainted father that I will excitement will certainly bring you back to
never take the advantage of your answer. your bed again.”
Does your daughter still love me?"
“Tell me, sir,” still persisted Alberte,
There was
a peculiar wildness in the "if you would quell the fire of a heart
youth's manner, and as he closed he grasped which is racking almost to bursting if, under
the old man by the shoulder, and waited the circumstances I have pictured, you
anxiously for an answer.
would grant that I might win and wear the
Vivaldi knew not how to reply. He knew jewel you so rauch prize ?"
that if he told the truth, he should tell the Certainly, my young friend," replied
youth that Isidora loved him most fervently, the old noble, as his countenance underwent
that for years she almost lived upon the a variety of changes; “if you could honestly
memory of her early affection. But he obtain the rank of which you speak, I should
feared 10 tell this; he feared to inspire the have no objection to your suit, for I have
heart of young Lioni with so baseless a hope. already assured you that I had the most im-
“You said, my Lord Vivaldi,” urged Al- plicit confidence in your honor as a man;
berte, as he noticed the old man's hesitancy, and only the laws, over which I have no
" that you hoped we should both be frank control, force me to the position I have
and straightforward, and I trust that you taken. But the picture you have drawn, I
will be so now. Your manner convinces fear, can never be realized, for the council
me that Isidora has not forgotten me, and if seldom reconsider their actions."
you will tell me the whole truth, I shall “But I know that my father was innocent;
have no questions to ask the lady, you may and suppose I could prove it to the full sat-
rest assured of that."
isfaction of the council, would they not re-
“Well," said the old noble, while his verse their decision with regard to his es-
voice trembled with ill-defined fear, “ I will tates ?”
tell you the truth. My daughter loves you 6 Of course they would.”
too well for her own happiness, and for this “And may not a just God place in my
reason I have sought this interview. From hands the means of proving this, so import-
the moment when your father was first ban ant a truth ? "
ished from Venice, she has blindly cherished “ You can certainly try," replied Vivaldi,
the love with which I once permitted her to in a desponding tone; “ but I much fear
become possessed, and even now I fear that that you will never succeed. The Lord
she has recognized in you the object of her Marcello had a fair and impartial trial.”
early love, and if such is the case, the cir “Fair and impartial trial, did you say?"
cumstance of your having saved her life will interrupted Alberte. “ And can the trial
by no means be calculated to quench the which results in the open disgrace and ruin
flame."
of one of the noblest men of Venice, even
“She has recognized me, sir,” replied though he be innocent of even a thought
Alverte, as he sank back into his chair, and against his government, be fair and impar-
placed his hands over his face. For a few tial ?"
moments he sat thus, and at length, as he “ The evidence, my young friend, was too
brushed away a tear that started to his eye, strong for a doubt, and hence the decision
he rose from his chair, supported by a sud of the council was in accordance with it. I
den and strange strength, and laying his can see nothing which makes the action in
hand upon the old man's shoulder, he con the case at all unfair."
2


24
THE BRAVO'S SECRET; OR, THE SPY OF THE TEN.
person
“ Father,” exclaimed the weeping girl, as man of all Venice gazing upon her. If
she raised her eyes, and swept the tears for there was a person in the commonwealth
a moment from her face,“ did you feel as I who had the power to aid her, that
feel, you would not ask me to restrain my was surely Niccoli, the chief spy of the
grief. I know not why it is, but this heavy Council of Ten; and it was he who stood in
blow seems but the presage of a heavier her presence.
yet to come. I can see a dark cloud gather “Lady,” said the spy, as he laid his hand
ing above our house, and ere long it must upon her shoulder, “you know me too well
send its lightning bolt upon us. This is but to wonder at my strange intrusion, and hence
the rising of the terrible storm."
I will at once to the business that brought
Lord Vivaldi talked long and earnestly me hither, for I see by the dial upon St.Mark's,
with his daughter, but from the fearful that the sun has already passed its meridian,
thought which haunted her imagination he and I must be brief. I know that one whom
could not move her; and with a heart in you loved has gone, and I know, too, how
which Isidora's forebodings had already sudden was his disappearance; but whether
called up slight misgivings, he at length left you have loved him wisely or not, remains yet
the apartment.
to be seen."
This was no sudden love that lay at the “O sir," exclaimed Isidora, “ he was kind
fountain-head of the fair girl's grief. He and nobie; his heart was pure and uncontam-
that possessed an inestimable treasure, en inated by the vices of the city. His only
joyed its blessings, its hopes, its joys, and fault in the eyes of the world was his mis.
then lost it, prizes it doubly when kind for- fortune. Tell me, sir, do you know aught of
tune once more returns it to him. So it was his fate ? "
with Isidora. Love's bright diadem hac “ Not yet, fair lady; but if you can answer
been worn in childhood; beneath Italia's me a simple question, I may possibly gain
warm clime her heart had realized the worth some clue to his whereabouts."
of the jewel, when it was lost. Once again, “Name it, sir-name it."
after the lapse of years, that jewel was “Do you know if Carolus Trivisano felt any
found and worn; and when, the second ill-will towards him?"
time it was lost, more keenly than ever fell • If he knew of his affection for me,
the sharp blade of fate upon the tender turned Isidora,“ he would be sure to, for even
corris of her joys. Then, again, the very
towards me he has used threats."
doubt—if doubt it may be called, which “ Very well. At what time did the young
hung over the prize, the hopes not yet real man leave the palazzo yesterday ?”
ized, which depended upon the accomplish “ I looked upon yonder dial, sir, just as
ment of her lover's plans-lent a peculiar his boat put off, and I remember distinctly
depth to the fervor of her love, and perhaps that the shadow. fell unon the hour of two."
she felt more severely the blow, than she 6 Of this you are sure ?”
would had there been no doubts previous to “Yes, sir," replied Isidora; and then
the catastrophe.
looking imploringly into the stern counte-
For half an hour after her father left her, nance of Niccoli, she continued, . Now, tell
Isidora sat alone in her chamber. She tried me, if I have any grounds for hope ? "
to analyze the feelings that stirred her soul; Hope, fair lady, is a fickle thing,” re-
she sought to solve the fears which op turned the spy, as he regarded his compan-
pressed her brain; but nought save the one ion with a look of tender compassion. "It
reality-the loss of Alberte-could she bring will noć sustain the life which often clings
within the ken of her mental vision. Sud so confidingly to it. Alberte Lioni may
denly she felt an impression steal over her still live, and I may yet save him from the
that she was not alone; she thought she fate which has been assigned to him; but I
heard the pulsations of a heart beside her would have you prepare for the worst, for
own, and turning round, her
eyes
be assured that darker clouds than you have
a form which was familiar to her sight. At yet seen are gathering over you."
any other time she would have been startled “So my own soul has taught me to fear.
by so summary an intrusion upon her pri- But you, who know all the secrets of Ven-
vacy; but at the present time a quick thrill of ice, can surely guard me against them.”
something like hope trembled upon her · Ah, lady, you know little of Venice. I
thoughts, as she saw the mosć powerful can read the actions of men, but their
re-
66
fell upon


34
THE BRAVO'S SECRET; OR, THE SPY OF THE TEN.
son."
be taken? There must be some mystery The door of his room he found open, but the
here."
one beyond—that which he had at first enter-
“And so there is, my lord-a mystery ed,-was closed against his egress, and while
which I cannot fathom. He disappears from he meditated upon the strange fate which
view with a facility equalled only by the seemed to have dropped thus suddenly upon
fairy-tales of the enchanted cap. Sometimes him, he proceeded to complete bis toilet.
his boat seems to glide clean through the very He found plenty of food upon the sideboard,
walls of the canal, and again you may follow together with wines and cordials; and every-
him in the street, and at the first approach thing else about the place was calculated to
towards his person, he will glide into some have administered to the comfort of one who
narrow passage and is nowhere to be found." had a mind at rest; but at that moment Al-
Cancellieri mused long upon the words of berte Lioni would have been happier by far
the spy, and at length, raising his head, he in the homeliest place upon the earth, so that
asked:
he would have been a free man.
66 And what of this accomplice ? Who is Ah, 'tis not what men call wealth that
he?"
begets the happiness of life-'tis not the goods
“ Do you remember Giovanni Marcello ?" of earth that minister to the health of human-
66 Yes."
ity's soul—'tis not the sumptuous palace,
“He was banished on suspicion of trea the gaudy trappings, the liveried servants,
and the dainty viands, that create the joys
“On conviction of treason," said the chief of God's children here on earth—but 'tis the
of the Ten.
mind content with what it has. We may
" Very well-he was banished, and
you find contentment on a throne; still who
gave his son permission to return to Venice.” would think of looking for it there? Beneath
“Asa studentanda common citizen-yes.” the humble cot this jewel in the diadem of
" But took away his family name ?" life glistens with a brighter effulgence, and
" Certainly.”
oftener, too, than anywhere else.
"He is known as Alberte Lioni ?"
Alberte ate of the food because nature
66 Well."
called for it; but bad it been a crust of hard
“ And Alberte Lioni is an accomplice bread, 'twould have been all the same. He
of Marco Martelino."
sat down upon a soft damask lounge; but had
Ha, has treason grown up in the child, his body reclined upon a slab of marble, he
too ? " exclaimed the chief, “ Can you take would never have cared for the difference.
him, Niccoli?"
He felt ill at ease, not only because he was
“I can, my lord.”
ignorant of his own fate, but because there
" Then let him be brought before us ere was another who would certainly weep for
the sun goes down; and, if needs be, set his absence, Then, too, where were his
every citizen in Venice upon the track of the hopes of the future? where those bright pic-
bravo."
tures he had painted upon the canvas of
Niccoli bowed respectfully to the council, imagination ? and where the ground for his
and in a few moments he was in the street. aspirations ? He knew that enemies were
People gazed in wonder upon the spy, and upon his track, and that they aimed at his
instinctively did they turn out to let him pass. downfall; but why they sought to harm him
In him they looked for the man who was to he only knew from the remark of him who
cope with the terrible bravo!
had first led him to the dark dungeon beneath
the palace of Trivisano. From this he knew
that he could not gain the property of his
CHAPTER XIII.
father without dispossessing some one else;
and that he could not possess the hand of Isi-
THE HALL OF THE INQUISITION.
dora without that property. A rival, too, per-
ALBERTE LIONI arose early the next haps he had, and a powerful one, and if such
morning, and for some time the events of was the case, to what dangers might be not
the preceding night floated dimly through be exposed ?
his brain; but at length he gained a clear Such were the thoughts that passed
idea of what had passed, and now, as much through the youth's mind as he reclined upon
as before, was he in doubt with regard to the lounge, and while he dwelt upon the
the disposition which was to be made of him curious conduct of the bravo, he was aroused


40
THE BRAVO'S SECRET; OR, THE SPY OF THE TEN.
66
66
into the face of his companion, he said: make up much of what I know. Why the
“ I have been twice taken prisoner-once bravo took thee from the power of Trivisano
by the son of Lord Trivisano, in a most vil- I can well see now that you have told me
lanous and unaccountable manner, from the rest. In the first place he thought your
whose power I was rescued by this dread wrongs would make you a ready tool, and he
bravo, but for why I cannot tell; and now I also thought that in your person would live
am taken by yourself. May I not know the memory of wrongs which to this day the
what it all means ?"
people of Venice have never forgotten.
“ I will tell you as much as I can,” replied When the Council of Ten banished the Lord
the spy, “for I have certainly no desire to Marcello from the state, they took from the
rack you with useless suspense. Why the people one of their firmest friends; and had
Lord Trivisano and his son have sought thee, he then, or within a year from his banish-
you may know as well as I, for they have ment, come back and raised the standard of
only told me what you heard them tell the rebellion within Venice, I verily believe he
master of the lesser inquisition."
might have marched through the senate to
Ay, I do know,” replied Alberte, while the ducal chair, for the people loved him.”
his eyes flashed. They fear me-pot for Ay, and he loved Venice,” added Al-
the state, but for themselves. I believe berte, with a beaming eye and trembling lip.
they know that the property and the power “That may have been,” returned Niccoli,
which they hold by public authority was un “ but still you must see that in you we have
justly confiscated, and they fear that I, if at one whose influence is to be feared if you
liberty might gain my rights. Hence the bend towards rebellion, and your apparent
base falsehoods they have fabricated.” intimacy with the bravo gave us ample room
Well,” said the spy, without betraying for such a suspicion. Even now I fear that
either a sign of assent or disapprobation at you would rebel should an opportunity offer.”
the conclusions of the youth, "and have “ Not against Venice,” quickly replied
you no idea of what were Martelino's inten Alberte.
tions in releasing you from the power of “ Not to gain the power thy father lost ?”
Trivisano ? "
said Niccoli, in meaning accents.
Niccoli had fixed his eyes calmly but yet 'Not for the ducal diadem itself. I wish,
steruly upon Alberte as he asked the ques- indeed, that my rightful inheiritance might
tion, and without hesitation the latter be restored to me, and I have even thought
answered:-
of trying to gain it; but if I walk not honor-
“I know indeed what the bravo desired of ably to it, with the free consent of the gov-
me last night, but whether that was all or ernment, then I shali go to the grave without
not, I cannot say. He boldly asked me if I it. Yes, my place of burial will bear but
had the courage to enter into conspiracy for the simple name of Lioni. Would to God
the overturning of the
government."
that ere I die I might wrest from the grave
“And did he tell thee nothing ?” asked of the council's denunciation the noble name
Niccoli, who seemed strangely interested of my father-for even with that I could be
now that matters were nearing a point. content."
He told me that if I had the courage to 6. Perhaps you speak the truth,” replied
stand boldly forth and take up the cause for the spy; "but at any rate you will not be
rebellion which the wrongs of my father condemned without just and sufficient evi-
gave ine, I should find a host of friends at dence. You would not have been so near
the torture had I known what was going on,
Aha, the plot is ripening. Oho, my but luckily I arrived in season. Your letter
noble lords, the eye of Niccoli is upon you. you can write at once, and after that you
I know ye all, as though I saw your names will find plenty here to occupy your time.”
upon a scroll.
Only the bravo-your too 6 But tell me, before you go,” urged Al-
ready tool-can thwart ihe argus eyes of the berte,“ how long am I to be kept here ?"
Ten.
“ As long as the council sees fit."
Thus spoke Niccoli to himself, and then 66 But I have committed no offence, and
turning to Alberte, he continued:-
you have already gained all the intelligence
“You see already that some good has re I have to communicate."
sulted from your arrest, for 'tis from such “ Still you cannot leave this place,” said
littles as I have learned from thee that I the spy
my back.”


THE BRAVO'S SECRET; OR, THE SPY OF THE TON.
45
re-
“You speak as one who knows,” said the of the folds, but almost hidden by the over-
old noble, feeling a powerful interest in the lapping cloth, he could just distinguish, by
words and manner of his strange companion. the light of a lamp which burned near them,
"I know but what others may know, the mystic cypher of the Ten.
plied the monk. “Even now I am on my “Go on,” said he to the monk, " and I
way, old and feeble as I am with the weight will follow thee.”
of time, to speak what I know, and to gain “I'm glad you've thus agreed," said the
the means of imparting more. Ah, sir, old father, in his quaint and half poetical
whoever you be, you cannot feel more for manner, and may God, in the fullness of
Venice than I do."
his grace, feel pleased to grant that Venice
“But whom do you seek ?”
shall be gainer by your mood. The man
“Canst thou tell me if the Ten are yet in must live till we arrive, for life was not so
session ?" asked the monk, without seeming dim but that the taper promised some ful!
to notice the question of the other.
hours yet to come. Verily, I know not what
“They have but just arisen from their he knows; and even though I showed him
deliberations,” replied Blenzi.
my authority for the receiving of such revel-
“Then I must needs turn my weary steps ations as do concern the state, still no word
back, for I sought one whom I supposed would he speak to me of what he had to tell;
would be there."
but said the old Lord Blenzi must first hear
“But whom do you seek?”
it."
“Ah, perhaps thou canst direct me,” said “But you know not who he is, or from
the monk. “I seek the Lord Blenzi-he whence he came ? " asked the old noble.
who was second in power to the ill-fated “No, my son; all I know is, what he has
Vivaldi."
been, not what he is at present; all I know
" Then you need look no further. Blenzi is where he is, not where he may have been."
stands before you."
The walk was not long, and though the
· Speak you truly ?” asked the old father, noble kept his hand upon the hilt of his
in a doubtful tone. “ Thou knowest that dagger, still he could detect nothing in the
there be those in Venice whom to trust is manner of the old monk to make him fear
dangerous, and I would not that an enemy that he should have occasion for its use,
should hear the secret."
and it was with a comparatively confident
Look, then, for thyself,” said the old step that he entered the dwelling which the
noble, as he withdrew the mask from his monk had pointed out as that of the citizen
face.
Filippo.
“Now I know thee!” exclaimed the monk, "Now where does this man lie ?” asked
"and thou shalt have my business. Over Blenzi, as he stood within the hall.
beyond San Paolo, within the house of one 6. This way, my son,” replied the monk,
Filippo, a worthy citizen, there lies at point as he took a taper which still burned upon
of death a man whose heart, till now, has the table, and opened a door leading up a
been steeped in blood. But since grim stairway.
death has beckoned him to follow, his soul For a moment the noble hesttated. He
has relented from its sinful purpose of wick did not fear the monk, but he knew not
ed deeds, and he fain would tell us of a plot what dangers might lie beyond. But then,
which evil men have aimed against Venice. the cypher! Surely no man in Venice would
To the Lord Blenzi alone will he communi- dare to wear that dread symbol without the
cate what he knows.”
knowledge of the Ten, and surely the Ten
“Now," said the noble, who felt a strong would never have given that mystic cypher
inclination to follow without further ques to a man who might not be trusted. Still
tion, but who still had doubts,
wbat as-
the old inquisitor held himself upon his
surance can you give me, that I may trust guard, and as he followed the monk up the
thee?"
stairway, his sharp dagger was loosened and
* This,” returned the monk, as he drew half drawn from its sheath.
back his dark robe, and exposed his left 6. Within that room, upon the bed, you'll
breast.
find the man of whom spoke," said the
« And what is it?"
monk, as he opened a small door at the head
" Look nearer.”
of the stairs.
Blenzi looked as directed, and within one The room contained nothing but the bed
66
66


60
THE BRAVO'S SECRET; OR, THE SPY OF THE TEN.
CHAPTER XXII.
bursts of laughter, so that no one would have
believed, had they even suspected its possi-
THE CONCLUSION.
bility, that he was plotting for murder and
THE sun has again risen upon Venice, rebellion.
and again has it gone to its rest in its west The hall was at length filled; the nobles
ern home; the people have once more sent were all in their seats, and shortly the doge,
forth their merry song and happy greeting, accompanied by the Lord Alfonso, and two
once more closed their occupations for the dark-robed inquisitors of the lesser court,
day, and once again are they sporting upon who had been called upon to fill the chairs
the hundred canals, seeming unconscious of of Vivaldi and Blenzi, entered, and the for-
everything save the sports and pastimes, the mer took the ducal chair. Hardly had the
joys and pleasures, or the pains and misery Duke of the Commonwealth called that vast
of the present. Towards the ducal palace assemblage to order, when the door of a
the senators and the members of the council sinall ante-room, nearly in the rear of his
were beginning to wend their way, and as seat, was opened, and the Spy of the Ten,
they went, either upon the pavement or up followed by Alberte Lioni, and Isidora Viv-
on the canal, they wore upon their counte- aldi, entered the chamber. The two latter
nances those sure indications of wonder were seated near the doge, who smiled gra-
which manifest themselves when men are ciously upon them as he beheld their care-
unexpectedly called upon for the transaction worn and troubled features; but some there
of an important business the nature of which were who did anything but smile when they
they are ignorant. Some there were who saw the young artist thus within the hali.
knew the nature of the call, but they were Marino Trivisano turned uneasily in his seat,
very few, and to all the questions they gave gazing first upon one and then upon another
merely a significant nod.
of his coadjutors, but none of them seemed
The large hall of the senate was open only to notice him; for, as they sat nearer the
at the main entrance, and only the usual large doors, a strange and unusual sound,
guard were stationed there. When the Lord like the clang of arms, fell upon their ears,
Trivisano entered, he looked nervously which reached not his. A general move-
around, but everything wore its usual aspect. ment took place in the hall, as those nearest
The officers of the chamber were in an easy the entrance betrayed the surprise which
and social chat; the soldiers at the door the noise occasioned, but ere many minutes
seemed conscious of nothing more than a the clang died away, and once more all was
common duty, and with a comparatively easy still. While all eyes were turned towards
step he ascended to his seat. At length the the doge, as if to inquire why this silence
Lord Castello entered, and the moment his reigned, Niccoli stepped forth from the place
eye caught the form of Trivisapo he stepped where he had stood, and advancing towards
forward to where the old noble sat.
the large open space within the centre of the
“ Speak not in a manner too earnesi, hall, he was the first to break the stillness.
whispered Castello, “but let us appear to “ Your most serene highness,” he said,
smile at our light thoughts. The signals are addressing the doge, “and you, nobles of
ready; one is upon the piazza without, under Venice, know full well that within the last
charge of faithful man; one at the house-. few weeks our good city has been thrown
top of the next corner; and one at St. Marks; into the utmost state of alarm by the fearful
and the men are all placed ready to obey threats and still more fearful deeds of Mar-
them at the moment."
co Martelino. None knew why he did these
“But have you seen the bravo ?”
things, nor how he did them, but a weeping,
“Be not too earnest, or we shall be ob- sorrowing people tell us they are done.
served,” whispered Castello, with a light,mer- Long have you looked to me as the man
ry laugh. “I have just left the bravo upon upon whose shoulders the duty of seeking
the piazza of St. Mark. He wears the dis out these things had fallen, and to the ut-
guise of the Genoese ambassador, and his most of my ability have I endeavored to do
entrance into the hall at ten o'clock will be your bidding, and this night I trust your
the signal. Everything without is secure, enemies will be no more able to do you
and we have only to make sure of our game harm. Within my very hand I hold a paper
in the hall. I am sorry that the Lord Alfon which contains the particulars of a most
so has escaped; but that cursed Niccoli smelt daring and bloody plot which was this very
the fire, and he has kept the old inquisitor night to have been executed within this
safely confined. But never mind, there is
very chamber."
consternation enough already for our pur For an instant the spy stopped and gazed
pose. The rest will come dropping in at in about the hall. Consternation and alarm
tervals, but do not recognize them. They were pictured upon every countenance, and
are all right.”
each looked upon his neighbor in silent in-
While Castello had been speaking, he had quiry. Marino Trivisano turned white as a
lolled in an easy, careless manner upon the ghost, but the others of the conspirators
front of Trivisano's desk, and his conversa grasped the hilts of their daggers and stood
tion was frequently interspersed with hearty ready for defence. Niccoli advanced to the


THE BRAVO'S SECRET; OR, THE SPY OF THE TEN.
ing
Within my
that raged within, he turned to the wonder shall be honored, his name shall once more
nobles and cried:-
take its place upon the patrician roll, and his
May God give us pardon, my lords and estates shall go to his son by legal entail."
nobles, for the foul wrong the State has Then turning to the young man, who still
done one of its noblest sons.
stood before him, the old doge continued,
hand I hold two papers. One of them is “ To you, young man, the great council re-
the true plan of a plot for the entire over turn the name you justly inherit. You are
throw of the Venetian government, drawn no longer Lioni, but Alberte Marcello, a
up by lord and senator, Marino Trivisano, noble of Venice, and an heir to a seat in her
twelve years ago; the other is another plan supreme council.”
of the same plot, and drawn at the same The lips of the youth parted, and he
time, and written by the same hand, and, would have returned an answer, but if he
like the first instrument which I received to- spoke at all, his words were drowned by the
night, bearing the forged name of an inno loud shout that went up from those around,
cent man. Upon the authority of this and a hundred eager hands were stretohed
forged instrument, aided by the evidence of forth to grasp the newly found noble. Al-
the traitorous villain who wrote it, the good berte Marcello returned their greetings with
Giovanni Marcello was banished, while happy tears of thankfulness, and at the first
Marino Trivisano, the real culprit, has gone opportunity he glided through the crowd and
free! Speak, Trivisano, how stands this sought the side of Isidora Vivaldi. He
mighty guilt upon thy soul ?”
grasped her trembling hand within his own,
At the first mention of the paper which and then gazing for a moment into her tear-
he had thought safe in the secret recesses of ful, but yet placid countenance, he mur.
his cabinet, and which he had only kept for mured the simple name, “Isidora,” and
the aid it might give him in other operations, laid his head upon her shoulder. For the
Lord Trivisano had raised himself from his moment that fair girl lost her own griefs in
fallen position, and had heard all that the the sudden rapture of seeing him whom she
doge had said. As the flashing eyes of the fondly loved raised to the fruition of his
duke rested full upon him, he strained his highest hopes; but a sense of melancholy
weakening orbs to their fullest capacity, and soon pervaded' her soul again with its dark
without rising from his seat, he replied: beams, and th gh she felt happy for an-
Alas, my sun has set in utter darkness, other, yet she felt forlorn for herself.
and all my hopes are gone. Venice must Now," said the doge, as the assembly
still continue to bear the weight of her was once more in order," we must look to
thousand useless officers, and 1-I shall thee, Niccoli, for the fulfilment of your
never see a crown! Yes, my lord duke, I promise.”
did plot, twelve years ago, for the subver And you would have the bravo ?”
sion of your tyranical government, and “ Yes," returned the doge, with a per-
Giovanni Marcello was an innocent victim ceptible tremor.
of your ill-timed justice.”
The spy stepped forward. while a strange
Until the present moment Alberte Lioni trembling shook his stout form, and a light
had kept his seat, but he could sit still no tear-drop glistened on either lid, he swept
longer, and springing from his chair, he ex the large assembly with his keen gaze, then
claimed, as he advanced towards the doge:- turning to the duke, he said:-
Mylord duke, after what has been “ You will find Marco Martelino, but in
brought to light here, may I not demand of him you will lose your Niccoli forever!”
the council, through your highness, that the As he spoke, the long robe of his office
name and title of my father be restored to fell from his shoulders, his powerful form
the senate? May I not demand as the only bent slightly forward till the back turned to
son of Giovanni Marcello, that his estates a gentle hump, the light wavy hair was taken
should be restored to me?"
away from his head, and where, but an in-
It took the council but a few minutes to stant before, had dwelt the cunning, quickly
render in a decision which was based upon varying gaze of the spy, now towered, in its
such palpable evidence, and ere long the majesty of conscious power, the dark, bold
doge arose in his place, and in a loud voice and daring features of the dreaded bravo!
proclaimed:-
For several minutes not a person spoke in
“Senators and nobles of Venice, the that large hall, but every heart beat with a
State, through ignorance, has done greivous fearful quickness as they beheld this myste-
wrong to Lord Giovanni Marcello, and his rious metamorphosis, and with trembling
memory has been wrongfully held in con awe they gazed upon that strange man as
tempt; but the guilt must rest alone upon they would upon an uncaged lion. Trivisa-
the sin-stained soul of him who has so foully no and his companions no longer wondered
and basely deceived us; but it yet lies in our that the plot should have been discovered,
power to somewhat repair the injury. The but they did wonder that their companion
banished noble, alas, is no more, the weight should condemn himself to certain death.
of his country's wrongs bas hastened him to Martelino waited till the first shock of as-
a distant, foreign grave; but his memory tounding surprise had passed, and then, un-