The young Monsignor bowed and continued, "to offer on his behalf a word of counsel and of warning."
"It is an unusual and distinguished honour," said the Baron.
"I am instructed to inform you that the Holy Father has reason to believe a further and more serious insurrection is preparing, and to warn you to take the necessary steps to secure public order and to prevent bloodshed."
The Baron did not move a muscle. "If the Holy Father has special knowledge of a plot that is impending...."
"Not special, only general, but sufficient to enable him to tell you to hold yourself in readiness."
"How long has the Holy Father been aware of this?"
"Not long. In fact, only since yesterday morning," said the Monsignor, and fearing he had said too much he added, "I only mention this to show you that the Holy Father has lost no time."
"But if the Holy Father knows that a conspiracy is afoot, he can no doubt help us to further information."
The Monsignor shook his head.
"You mean that he will not do so?"