Abellino.--I should have thought it HAD been.

Thomaso.--Without more words, then, I vote for our remaining as we
are, and carrying on our old trade; that will bring us plenty of
gold, and enable us to lead a jolly life.

Pietrino.--Right, lad, you speak my thoughts exactly.

Thomaso.--We are bravoes, it's true; but what then? We are honest
fellows, and the devil take him who dares to say we are not.
However, at any rate, we must keep within doors for a few days, lest
we should be discovered; for I warrant you the Doge's spies are
abroad in search of us by this. But as soon as the pursuit is over,
be it our first business to find out Matteo's murderer, and throttle
him out of hand as a warning to all others.

All.--Bravo, bravissimo.

Pietrino.--And from this day forth I vote that Thomaso should be our
captain.

Struzza.--Aye, in Matteo's stead.

All.--Right, right.

Abellino.--To which I say amen with all my heart. Now, then, all is
decided.