'It is not. I know him well. He is a member of the guard.'
'It is a lie, I tell you.'
'Ercole is doubtless right,' said Checco. 'They are common thieves. Let them be taken away. They have paid a heavy price for their attempt. Good-night, my friends. Good-night, Ercole, and thanks.'
The guard took hold of the dead men by the head and by the feet, and one after another, in single file, they bore them off down the dark street. We three moved on, the crowd gradually melted away, and everything again became dark and silent.
We walked home side by side without speaking. We came to the Palazzo Orsi, entered, walked upstairs, one after the other, into Checco's study, lights were brought, the door closed carefully, and Checco turned round to us.
'Well?'
Neither I nor Matteo spoke. Checco clenched his fist, and his eyes flashed as he hissed out,—
'The cur!'
We all knew the attempt was the Count's....
'By God! I am glad you are safe,' said Matteo.