When I got down on the street I found I had left my cap, but I dared
not go back after it. I made my way down to the landing, half running,
and when I got there not a boat was to be seen—the three barcas and my
gondola were gone.

I thought I could see them, out through the mist, a quarter of a mile
away. I called aloud, but no answer came back but the hissing wind. I
was in despair—they were stealing my boat, and if they did not steal
it, it would surely be wrecked—my all, my precious boat!

I cried and wrung my hands. I prayed! And the howling winds only ran
shrieking and laughing around the corners of the building.

I saw a glimmering light down the beach at a little landing. I ran to
it, hoping some gondolier might be found who would row me over to the
city. There was one boat at the landing and in it a hunchback, sound
asleep, covered with a canvas. It was Gian Bellini’s boat. I shook the
hunchback into wakefulness and begged him to row me across to the
city. I yelled into his deaf ears, but he pretended not to understand
me. Then I showed him the silver coin—the double fare—and tried to
place it in his hand. But no, he only shook his head.

I ran up the beach, still looking for a boat.

An hour had passed.

-------------------------------------

I got back to the landing just as Gian came down to his boat.