Lord Prestonkirk wrote a short note, and handing it to Gilbert, wished him good-bye and good luck.
"Don't forget to let me know—eh—the sequel," smiled the Ambassador, as he shook hands with Gilbert.
Arrived, within a few minutes of his leaving the Embassy, at the Ministry of Justice, Gilbert was almost immediately ushered into the presence of Signor Fava, the Minister. Finding that Gilbert did not know Italian, Signor Fava conversed with him in English.
"You believe Ucelli to be in a plot," said the Minister, after some discussion, "to screen this Mr. Silwood? Yes; but there is one question I must ask: Why has he tried to screen Mr. Silwood? What was, or is, the consideration?"
"I do not know what was, or is, the connection between the two," replied Gilbert.
"Ucelli must have been offered some strong inducement."
"That is probable, most probable."
"It must be inquired into, it must!"
The Minister touched an electric bell, and his Secretary entered the room.
"Please request Signor Vinci to come to me," the Minister said in Italian to his subordinate, who forthwith withdrew.