THE PIRATES OF SEGXA. 411 



neglected no other means of enforcing their applica- 

 tions to the court at Gradiska for an energetic inter- 

 ference in the proceedings of the pirates. The in- 

 convenience and interruption to the trade of Fiume 

 occasioned by these blockades, usually induced the 

 archducal government to institute a pretended inves- 

 tigation into the conduct of the Uzcoques, or at least 

 to promise the Venetians some reparation a mockery 

 of satisfaction with which the latter, in their then 

 state of decline and weakness, were fain to content 

 themselves. Eeckoning upon the terror inspired by 

 the presence of the squadron now employed in the 

 blockade, as well as upon its support, should he re- 

 quire it, the Proveditore made sure of success. He 

 was doomed, however, to be cruelly disappointed in 

 his sanguine anticipations. 



When the attempt to get possession of the person 

 of a Venetian nobleman had failed, Strasolda found 

 it impossible to keep her father's captivity any longer 

 a secret, and was compelled to appeal to the whole of 

 the Uzcoques to assist her in his deliverance. Infor- 

 mation of the icoi fade's recognition, and of the tor- 

 tures he had suffered, soon reached the ears of the 

 pirates, who were not slow to perceive that the safety, 

 and even the existence of their tribe, were now at 

 stake. Although well acquainted with the inflexible 

 character of Dansowich, they trembled lest the agonies 

 he was made to suffer should force from him a con- 

 fession, which would enable the Venetians to convince 



