CHAPTER X
CARABINIERI
"Signori," began Hillard calmly, "before you act, will you not do me the honor to explain to me the meaning of this visit?"
"It is not he!" said one of the carabinieri. "It is the master, and not the servant. This is Signore Hillar, is it not?" he continued, addressing himself to Hillard.
"Yes."
"The signore has a servant by the name of Giovanni?"
"Yes. And what has he done to warrant this visit?" Hillard asked less calmly.
"It is a matter of seven years," answered the spokesman. "Your servant attempted to kill an officer in Rome. Luigi here, who was then interested in the case in Rome, thought he recognized Giovanni in the street to-day. Inquiries led us here."
"Ah!" Hillard thought quickly. "I am afraid that you have had your trouble for nothing. Giovanni is now a citizen of the United States, under full protection of its laws, domestic and foreign. It would not be wise for you to touch him."