"And now, signor," he said in Italian to the amazed official, "I am at your service."
CHAPTER V
Qui sait tout souffrir peut tout oser.
—Vauvenargues.
Michael was imprisoned for the night in a cell attached to the Court of Mandamento, and the next day was sent to Rome to await his trial at the assise.
Early on the second day after he reached Rome the duke came to him. The two men looked fixedly at each other. They exchanged no form of greeting.
The duke made a little sign with his hand, and the warder withdrew outside the cell door, which he left ajar.
Then the duke sat down by Michael.
"I should have come yesterday," he said in English, "but it took time to gain permission, and also"—he nodded towards the door—"to arrange."