"He left home immediately after the outbreak and has not been seen since. Presently the flashlight will be turned on by a separate battery from Monte Mario, and every corner of the city shall be searched. But we fear he is gone."
"Gone?"
"Perhaps by the train that left just before the signal."
Roma felt a cry rising to her throat again, but she put up her hand to keep it down.
"No matter! Commendatore, send telegrams after the train to all stations up to the frontier, with orders that nobody is to alight until every carriage has been overhauled. Minghelli, go to the Consulta immediately, and ask the Minister of Foreign Affairs to despatch a portrait of Rossi to every foreign Government."
"But no portrait exists, Excellency. It was a difficulty I found in England."
"Yes, there is a portrait. Come this way."
Roma felt the room going round as the Baron came into it and switched on the light.
"There is the only portrait of the illustrious Deputy, and our hostess will lend it to be photographed."
"Never!" said Roma, and taking up the mallet she struck the bust a heavy blow, and it fell in fragments to the floor.