‘You are mistaken, Signora Contessa,’ the man answered obstinately; ‘the relic is in its place. You may see for yourself.’
‘Then give me the keys, for you have them in your pocket.’
‘I have not, Excellency,’
‘I do not believe you.’
Maria held the light so that she could see him while she moved quickly towards the large door.
‘I am going to call the servants,’ she said, ‘and they shall search your pockets.’
Schmidt attempted to smile.
‘Your Excellency cannot be in earnest,’ he managed to say, but his teeth were chattering and he was perfectly livid.
The Countess laid her hand on the lock. It could be opened from within by a handle, but required a latch-key to open it from the other side. She watched Schmidt steadily and began to turn the knob. He looked round in a scared way, as if hoping to see some means of escape, and her fingers slowly turned the handle of the door. At the last second he broke down.
‘For God’s sake, Excellency!’ he cried, in utmost fear. ‘I have taken nothing! I swear it on the altar, on the Sacrament——’