"I? What put such a preposterous idea into the lady's head?" Hillard demanded indignantly.
For a moment the carabinieri entertained some doubt.
"He is following me, I tell you," Bettina reiterated. "I do not wish him ill. Simply detain him till I am out of sight."
This was not unreasonable. "It shall be as the little signorina wishes;" and the carabinieri laughed. It was some jest, and they would take their part in it willingly.
Hillard resigned, and Bettina took to her heels. Her victory was a permanent one, for the carabinieri released Hillard only when they knew it would be impossible for him to take up the pursuit. So, taking his defeat philosophically, Hillard returned to Merrihew.
"Well, what was it?" asked Merrihew, scattering the doves.
"Did I ever tell you about Bettina?"
"Bettina? No."
"Well, she is the maid. The women we are looking for are here in Venice. Now, what's on the program for the rest of the morning?"
Merrihew jammed his hands into his pockets. "Oh, let's go and take a look at the saints. I'm in the mood for it."