Summary

In the opening of Chapter 55, Crivano is walking through the city with a newfound awareness of being watched. He has become frightened, and he moves purposefully throughout the streets. He can sense that the sbirri are following him, and he devises various methods to throw them off course. He has decided to wait until nightfall to contact Obizzo. Crivano stops at a casino for a glass of wine and waits for a sign. He sees a glow on the belltower of the Frari and heads in that direction. He glances over his shoulder and sees two cloaked men.

Crivano approaches a group of linkboys gathered with lanterns and asks if any of them would like to earn some silver. They swarm around him, and Crivano opens his purse and removes a ducat, which is worth more than what their fathers probably make in...