"I hope he is not so seriously injured," said Malipieri.
"The report we received was that his skull was fractured," answered the detective calmly. "The hospitals report all suspicious cases to the police stations by telephone during the night, and of course, as your man refused to speak, special enquiries were made about the wounded gentleman."
"I understand," said Malipieri. "And now, I suppose, you have made a sufficient search."
"We have not seen your own room. If you will show me that, as a mere formality, I think I need not trouble you any further."
It had come at last. Malipieri felt himself growing cold, and said nothing for a moment. Volterra again began to watch him curiously.
"I fancy," the detective said, "that your room opens from the study in which we have already been. I only wish to look in."
"There is a small room before it, where I keep my clothes."
"I suppose we can go through the small room?"
"You may see that," said Malipieri, "but I shall not allow you to go into my bedroom."
"How very strange!" cried Volterra, staring at him.