“I am aware of that. She will no doubt be here in a moment and can perhaps assist us in writing this. Will you tell me what you wish written?”
“I have told the contesse; and you are quite able to do all I need,” I answered shortly.
“You will understand how profoundly I myself am concerned by all this. My liberty, my life, and what is far more to me than my life, are at stake. You have ascertained all our plans, and I feel it imperative to ask what use you intend to make of anything you compel me to write.”
“It will never be used at all unless it should become necessary in order to explain Mademoiselle Dominguez’ connexion with your plot.”
“Become necessary?” he repeated. “What does that mean?”
“If the plot should be discovered and she should be in any danger.”
“But it has been discovered already. It has failed. You discovered it because of the facts which had come to your knowledge as the result of the Rua Catania affair.”
“I do not intend to discuss the matter with you, Dr. Barosa. You can do as you please about writing what I require.”
“And if I refuse?”
I shrugged my shoulders. “You must infer what you will.”