"The business of a traitor,—a spy!"
It was the voice of Raniero Frangipani that had fallen sharply on his ear.
Francesco made no reply. Only he seemed to grow a shade more gray.
In his stead spoke Don Enrico, the Senator of Rome, who had stepped to the Viceroy's side.
"It must have been known to you that the Pontiff has abandoned the city and has fled to Viterbo. Do not try to deceive us! We shall find means to learn the truth!"
The threatening tenor of the Spaniard's voice recalled Francesco to himself. He turned to Capecé who was regarding him gloomily.
"My lord, I have never spoken a falsehood. I arrived in Rome but yesterday from Monte Cassino. Of the state of the city I knew nothing. My business is with the Pontiff."
"Then why did you not depart on learning that Clement and the Provencals have fled?"
A choking sensation came to Francesco. His hand went to his throat.
The Viceroy saw and understood.