"You forged the deeds which were presented as originals in the court.
Confess it to those gentlemen." It was San Giacinto who spoke.
"The prince made me do it," answered Meschini in low tones. "He promised me twenty thousand scudi for the work."
"To be paid—when? Tell all."
"To be paid in cash the day the verdict was given."
"You came to get your money here?"
"I came here. He denied having promised anything definite. I grew angry. I killed him." A violent shudder shook his frame from head to foot.
"You strangled him with a pocket handkerchief?"
"It was Donna Faustina's?"
"The prince threw it on the ground after he had struck her. I saw the quarrel. I was waiting for my money. I watched them through the door."
"You know that you are to die. Where are the deeds you stole when you forged the others?"