The San Francisco call., 1908-05-31
CHAPTER XXI
The Isle. of Adventure

ZENO left her when she was
breathing quietly. after ordering
the two little maids to watch her
by turns. or at least to go to
sleep very near her, in case she should
wake and call. He himself was worn
out with fatigue and hunger. for he
had not tasted anything since he had
supped with Zoe on the previous even
ing. He went down to his own rooms.
where Vito had prepared him food and
wine. which he had asked Gorlias to
share with him. But the ex-astrologer
was gone, and the master ate and
drank alone that night. smiling now
and then at the recollection of the dark
hours IN the dry cistern and giving
orders to Vito about the journey which
was to be begun on the morrow, if
possible. And Vito gave him detailed
account OF what had happened in his
absence.
Now that Zoe was safe he was su-
premely happy In his heart the fght-
ing man had detested the peaceful mer-
chants life he had chosen to lead for
more than two years, and already, in
helm. the salt spray was in his face
and his ship was going free on her
course for the wonderful Isles of Ad-
venture.
But by the orders he gave while he
ate his supper, Vito understood that he
was not going alone. When had Carlo
Zeno ever taken rich carpets. soft cush-
ions, silver basins and delicate provi-
sions to sea with him except as mer-
oh nackad N ha1as od
below? A camp bed ashore, a ham
mock at sea, were enough for his com
fort Vito mentally noted each order.
and when the time came he had for
gotten nothing, but he asked no ques-
tions
Early in the morning when Zeno had
learned that Zoe was still asleep he
Sebastian Corners ship was to sail the
next day at dawn. the same vessel that
had brought the letter from Venice
which had led him to buy Arethusa: the
very galley by which she should have
been carried to Marco Pesaro IL Zeno
had not thought better OF the matter
before drawing the 500 ducats.
Now, Sebastian Corner was a brave
captain. as we'll as man of business.
and could be trusted. and when Zeno
had shown him the deed which gave
Tenedos to the Serene republic he did
not hesitate. but promised to help Carlo
to take possession of the island within
three days. before Johannes could
change his mind. So that matter was
settled and Zeno departed. saying that
he would send his baggage on board
during the day.
When he came home he found the
secretary waiting with his tale OF woe.
Omobono looked and felt like an elderly
sick lamb, very sorry for himself and
terribly anxious not to be blamed for
what had happened. while equally
afraid OF being scolded for talking too
much. He had passed through the
most awful ordeal of his peaceful life
very braveiy. he believed: and IL Zeno
had called him q cackling hen that
morning the shock might have un-
settled his brain, and would certainly
have broken his heart.
But Zeno had been informed by Vito
Of the events that had disturbed his
household. and knew that Omobono had
done his best. considering what his
worst might have been he being of a
ttmid temperament
you did very WE'LL said the mas
ter. In ancient days, Omobono. those
who died for their faith were indeed
venerated - martyrs. brt those who
suffered and lived were afterward
revered as confessors. That is your
position.
This piece Of information Zeno had
acquired. with more OF the same kind,
when he had expected to be made 4