The colour fled from his
cheeks.
"My noble lord!" he said at length, hesitating, "you know well that-
-"
"I know well," interrupted Andreas, "how difficult a task I enjoin,
when I require the delivery of Abellino. For myself I swear that I
had rather a thousand times force my passage with a single vessel
through the whole Turkish fleet, and carry off the admiral's ship
from the midst of them, than attempt to seize this Abellino, who
seems to have entered into a compact with Lucifer himself: who is
to be found everywhere and nowhere; whom so many have seen, but whom
no one knows; whose cautious subtlety has brought to shame the
vigilance of our State inquisitors, of the College of Ten, and of
all their legions of spies and sbirri; whose very name strikes
terror into the hearts of the bravest Venetians, and from whose
dagger I myself am not safe upon my throne. I know well, Flodoardo,
how much I ask; but I know also how much I proffer. You seem
irresolute? You are silent? Flodoardo, I have long watched you
with attention. I have discovered in you marks of a superior
genius, and therefore I am induced to make such a demand. If any
one is able to cope with Abellino, thou art the man. I wait your
answer."
Flodoardo paced the chamber in silence. Dreadful was the enterprise
proposed. Woe to him should Abellino discover his purpose. But
Rosabella was the reward. He cast a look on the beloved one, and
resolved to risk everything.
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