"My gracious lord," said Lomellino, "I present to you the Count
Flodoardo, who humbly sues for your protection."
Flodoardo uncovered his head in token of respect, took off his mask,
and bowed low before the illustrious ruler of Venice.
Andreas.--I understand you are desirous of serving the Republic?
Flodoardo.--That is my ambition, should your Highness think me
deserving of such an honour.
Andreas.--Lomellino speaks highly of you; if all that he says be
true, how came you to deprive your own country of your services?
Flodoardo.--Because my own country is not governed by an Andreas.
Andreas.--You have intentions, it seems, of discovering the haunts
of the banditti, who for some time past have caused so many tears to
flow in Venice?
Flodoardo.--If your Highness would deign to confide in me, I would
answer with my head for their delivery into the hands of your
officers, and that speedily.
Andreas.--That were much for a stranger to perform. I would fain
make the trial whether you can keep your word.
Flodoardo.--That is sufficient. To-morrow, or the day after at
least, will I perform my promise.
Andreas.--And you make that promise so resolutely? Are you aware,
young man, how dangerous a task it is to surprise these miscreants?
They are never to be found when sought for, and always present when
least expected; they are at once everywhere and nowhere. There
exists not a nook in Venice which our spies are not acquainted with,
or have left unexamined, and yet has our police endeavoured in vain
to discover the place of their concealment.
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