Then they
climbed steps and entered a narrow street where there was no canal, on
either side of which stood tall houses or dark frowning gateways.
Just as they stepped into the shadow of this street they heard the prow
of another boat grate against the marble steps behind them and caught
the faint sound of talk, apparently between their rower and others in
the second boat.
"Forward, Sir Hugh," said Day a little nervously. "This part of Venice
has no good name, for many wicked deeds are done here, but soon we shall
be through it."
So they stepped out briskly, and when they were about half-way down
the street heard other steps behind them. They turned and looked back
through the gloom, whereon the sound of the following steps died away.
They pushed on again, and so, unless the echo deceived them, did those
quick, stealthy steps. Then, as though by common consent, though no one
gave the word, they broke into a run and gained the end of the street,
which they now saw led into a large open space lit by the light of
the great moon, that broke suddenly through the veil of cloud or mist.
Again, as though by common consent, they wheeled round, Hugh drawing
his sword, and perceived emerging from the street six or seven cloaked
fellows, who, on catching sight of the flash of steel, halted and melted
back into the gloom.
"Who follow us so fast?" asked Hugh.
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