The Madman of Venice

by Sophie Masson

  Jacket design by Angela Carlino

  Printed in the USA

  ujujuj.randomhouse.corri/teens

  Delacorte Press

  New York

  A VOICE BEHIND HIM MADE HIM START. ‘Well, Ned? What do you

  make of Venice?’ Ned turned. It was Jacques d’Arcy.

  ‘Beautiful, sir! Exciting . . . fantastic . .

  ‘All those things and more. Enchanted. A mixture of beauty and menace,’ said d’Arcy gravely. ‘Never forget that, Ned, and you’ll get on well here. I’ve always thought of Venice as a woman,’ he went on. ‘One of those half-women from legend—beautiful woman to the wa st, serpent below. I think that should be her symbol—not the lion.’

  Ned shivered. ‘That’s a horrid thought, sir.’

  ‘Oh, not really,’ said the merchant, smiling. ‘It’s exciting. Intriguing. Just so long as you know to beware.’