“Excellency, I have fulfilled your commission, I hope with judgment,” Calabressa said, his cap in his hand.  “I believe it is clear that the Englishman had that duty put upon him by fraudulent means.”

“It is a pity if it be so; it will cost us some further trouble, and we have other things to think about at present.”  Then he added, lightly, “but it will please your young lady friend, Calabressa.  Well?”

“Excellency, you forget it may not quite so well please her if it is found that her father was in the conspiracy,” said Calabressa, submissively.

“Why not?” answered the bluff, tall soldier.  “However, to the point, Calabressa.  What have you discovered? and your proofs.”

“I have none, your Excellency; but I have brought with me one of the four in the ballot who is willing to confess.  Why is he willing to confess?” said Calabressa, with a little triumphant smile; “because he thinks the gentlemen of the Council know already.”

“And you have frightened the poor devil, no doubt,” said Von Zoesch, laughing.

“I have on the contrary, assured him of pardon,” said Calabressa, gravely.  It is within the powers you gave me, Excellency.  I have pledged my honor—­”

“Oh yes, yes; very well.  But do you mean to tell us, my good Calabressa,” said this tall man, speaking more seriously, “that you have proof of these three—­Lind, Beratinsky, Reitzei—­having combined to impose on the Englishman?  Not Lind, surely?  Perhaps the other two—­”

“Your Excellency, it is for you to investigate further and determine.  I will tell you how I proceeded.  I went to the Englishman, and got minute particulars of what occurred.  I formed my own little story, my guess, my theory.  I got hold of Reitzei, and hinted that it was all known.  On my faith, he never thought of denying anything, he was so frightened!  But regard this, Excellency; I know nothing.  I can give you the Englishman’s account; then, if you get that of Reitzei, and the two correspond, it is a good proof that Reitzei is not lying in his confession.  It is for you to examine him, Excellency."’

“No, it is not for me,” the ruddy-faced soldier-looking man said, and then he turned to his two companions.  The one was the Secretary Granaglia:  the other was a broad-shouldered, elderly man, with strikingly handsome features of the modern Greek type, a pallid, wax-like complexion, and thoughtful, impenetrable eyes.  “Brother Conventzi, I withdraw from this affair.  I leave it in hands of the Council; one of the accused was in former days my friend; it is not right that I should interfere.”

“And I also, Excellency,” said Calabressa, eagerly.  “I have fulfilled my commission; may not I retire now also?”

“Brother Granaglia will take down your report in writing; then you are free, my Calabressa.  But you will take the summons of the Council to your friend Reitzei; I suppose he will have to be examined before the others arrive.”