“I have no idea, but I can think of nothing else. I shall go straight to the Archbishop and tell him all. We arrive, I believe, at three o’clock, and you in Berlin about seven, I suppose, by German time. The function is fixed for eleven. By eleven, then, we shall have done all that is possible. The Government will know, and they will know, too, that we are innocent in Rome. I imagine they will cause it to be announced that the Cardinal-Protector and the Archbishop, with his coadjutors, will be present in the sacristies. They will double every guard; they will parade volors overhead—and then—well! in God’s hands be the rest.”
“Do you think the conspirators will attempt it?”
“I have no idea,” said Percy shortly.
“I understand they have alternative plans.”
“Just so. If all is clear, they intend dropping the explosive from above; if not, at least three men have offered to sacrifice themselves by taking it into the Abbey themselves.... And you, Eminence?”
The old man eyed him steadily.
“My programme is yours,” he said. “Eminence, have you considered the effect in either case? If nothing happens—-”
“If nothing happens we shall be accused of a fraud, of seeking to advertise ourselves. If anything happens—well, we shall all go before God together. Pray God it may be the second,” he added passionately.
“It will be at least easier to bear,” observed the old man.
“I beg your pardon, Eminence. I should not have said that.”