skill?"

"Nay, to say truth, 'tis but a woman; but one must not give too
difficult a task to a young beginner. I will myself accompany you,
and see how you conduct yourself in the first trial."

"Hum!" said Abellino, and measured Matteo with his eye from head to
foot.

"To-day, about four o'clock, thou shalt follow me to Dolabella's
gardens, which are situated on the south side of Venice. We must
both be disguised, you understand. In these gardens are excellent
baths; and after using the baths, the Doge's niece, the lovely
Rosabella of Corfu, frequently walks without attendants. And then--
you conceive me?"

"And you will accompany me?"

"I will be a spectator of your first adventure; 'tis thus I deal by
every one."

"And how many inches deep must I plunge my dagger?"

"To the hilt, boy, to the very hilt! Her death is required, and the
payment will be princely; Rosabella in the grave, we are rich for
life."

Every other point was soon adjusted. Noon was now past, the clock
in the neighbouring church of the Benedictines struck four, and
Mattes and Abellino were already forth. They arrived at the gardens