“What goodness! But it is not always necessary to give Fate the credit for opportuneness. In this case, for example, one might suggest more than one explanation of a mystery.”
“Of di Rocco’s death, you mean? It is quite true. We should consider the evidence of motives first, perhaps. There is none more powerful than revenge.”
“Or, with an astrologer, the wish to verify the reading of his astrolabes. He had certainly done you a great unkindness, my friend.”
“And you no less, my friend.”
“What! do you suggest that I killed him?”
“With a reason quite as plausible as yours in accusing me.”
“I have not accused you.”
“Nor I you.”
“No more you have. There was no need. He died plainly of an accident—of the treachery of the elements. I shall hope to call the elements to account for it some day. Well, if we have no quarrel, seer Bonito—addio!”
He went off, singing lightly. Bonito stood a moment, looking after him, wintry and caustic.