And on they went, Abellino marching between two of them. Frequent
were the looks of suspicion which he cast around him; but no ill
design was perceptible in the banditti. They guided him onwards,
till they reached a canal, loosened a gondola, placed themselves in
it, and rowed till they had gained the most remote quarter of
Venice. They landed, threaded several by-streets, and at length
knocked at the door of a house of inviting appearance. It was
opened by a young woman, who conducted them into a plain but
comfortable chamber. Many were the looks of surprise and inquiry
which she cast on the bewildered, half-pleased, half-anxious
Abellino, who knew not whither he had been conveyed, and still
thought it unsafe to confide entirely in the promises of the
banditti.