Peter; my life
upon it, they will spring at the bait, and you will have them
completely at your disposal. These hypocrites who govern the
consciences of the bigoted Venetians, hold man and woman, the noble
and the mendicant, the Doge and the gondolier, bound fast in the
chains of superstition, by which they can head them wheresoever it
best suits their pleasure. It will save us tons of gold in gaining
over proselytes, and keeping their consciences quiet when gained, if
we can but obtain the assistance of the confessors, whose blessings
and curses pass with the multitude for current coin. Now, then, to
work, comrades, and so farewell.
CHAPTER IX: CINTHIA'S DWELLING.
Scarcely had Abellino achieved the bloody deed which employed every
tongue in Venice, when he changed his dress and whole appearance
with so much expedition and success as to prevent the slightest
suspicion of his being Matteo's murderer. He quitted the gardens
unquestioned, nor left the least trace which could lead to a
discovery.
He arrived at Cinthia's dwelling. It was already evening. Cinthia
opened the door, and Abellino entered the common apartment.
"Where are the rest?" said he in a savage tone of voice whose sound
made Cinthia tremble.
"They have been asleep," she answered, "since mid-day. Probably
they mean to go out on some pursuit to-night." Abellino threw
himself into a chair, and seemed to be lost in thought.
"But why are you always so gloomy, Abellino?" said Cinthia, drawing
near him; "it's that which makes you so ugly.
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