'I do not intend to make a merit of it, for there is none. I would never have accused these gentlemen.'
'Ah!' said the other, standing still for a moment. 'Why is that?'
'It would not suit me to do it.'
'I see. But why did we come here, then?'
'It was necessary to make a statement, for the police were looking for me.'
'Is your wife such a simpleton?'
'What! my wife? She is very fond of me; she is nervous for me, and says we must retire from the profession.'
'What profession is it?'
'Don't you know? She is the famous witch of Centograde, Chiarastella.'
'Ah, I remember. Her witchcraft is like your knowing lottery numbers, is it?'