“How?”

With bloody hand Giovanni pointed to the open door of Antonia's chamber.

“That was the lure, my lord. Taking the air outside, I saw him slinking hither, and took him for a thief, as, indeed, he was—a thief of honour, like all his kind. I followed, and—there he lies.”

“My God!” cried Pico. And then hoarsely asked, “And Antonia?”

Giovanni dismissed the question abruptly.

“She saw, yet she knows nothing.”

And then on another note:

“Up now, Pico!” he cried. “Arouse the city, and let all men know how Gandia died the death of a thief. Let all men know this Borgia brood for what it is.”

“Are you mad?” cried Pico. “Will I put my neck under the knife?”

“You took him here in the night, and yours was the right to kill. You exercised it.”