"Of the feeblest kind," interrupted the statesman, who nevertheless became very grave.
"Those he exhibits are of the feeblest kind, and he takes no trouble to hide them. But a fellow so ingenious as to imagine the scheme he practised against us is not a fool."
"I understand, my good friend," said the Cardinal. "You have been injured by this fellow, and you would like me to revenge the injury by locking him up. Is that it?"
"Precisely," answered Saracinesca, laughing at his own simplicity. "I might as well have said so from the first."
"Much better. You would make a poor diplomatist, Prince. But what in the world shall I gain by revenging your wrongs upon that creature?"
"Nothing—unless when you have taken the trouble to examine his conduct, you find that he is really dangerous. In that case your Eminence will be obliged to look to your own safety. If you find him innocent, you will let him go."
"And in that case, what will you do?" asked the Cardinal with a smile.
"I will cut his throat," answered Saracinesca, unmoved.
"Murder him?"
"No—call him out and kill him like a gentleman, which is a great deal better than he deserves."