"She lies very still and she has never opened her mouth," said
another. "The shock has killed her."

"Nonsense; a young woman does not die so easily." It was Matteo
who spoke. "Besides, I did but snip off enough to leave the
tribunal's mark upon her. Rouse up, signora, rouse up!"

He shook me by the shoulder, and my heart stood still for fear he
should feel the epaulet under the mantle.

"How is it with you now?" he asked.

I made no answer.

"Curse it, I wish I had to do with a man instead of a woman, and
the fairest woman in Venice," said the gondolier. "Here,
Nicholas, lend me your handkerchief and bring a light."

It was all over. The worst had happened. Nothing could save me.
I still crouched in the corner, but I was tense in every muscle,
like a wild cat about to spring.

If I had to die I was determined that my end should be worthy of
my life.

One of them had gone for a lamp and Matteo was stooping over me
with a handkerchief. In another instant my secret would be
discovered. But he suddenly drew himself straight and stood
motionless. At the same instant there came a confused murmuring
sound through the little window far above my head. It was the