Was Hubert’s faint suspicion correct? Regrettable as it was, few men in Italy accepted Ministerial portfolios for the sake of the small remuneration paid to them. Everyone looked to office as a means of increasing his income, from the Minister of Justice down to the most obscure prefect. Therefore, was General Cataldi an exception, or was he endeavouring to fix a scapegoat among his underlings? Such a circumstance was not at all unknown in the modern official life in Rome.
But Hubert Waldron determined not to form any premature theory. He refused to allow his mind to become prejudiced by previous events.
In several notable cases of espionage, particularly when that secret report of the British Admiralty regarding the results of our naval manoeuvres two years before had mysteriously disappeared from Whitehall, he had successfully cleared up the mystery. Indeed, he had earned the thanks of the Prime Minister and of the Sovereign, and had gained his M.V.O. for his clever and untiring efforts, by which he was actually able to wrest the precious and most confidential documents from the possession of the spy—a traitorous Englishman who had acted on behalf of Germany—a man who that same night committed suicide at his house at Richmond, in order to avoid arrest.
Probably it was knowledge of Hubert’s previous successes that had induced His Majesty King Umberto III to invoke his assistance. At any rate His Majesty could scarcely have chosen a keener, or more resourceful man.
He had made a second and most thoroughly exhaustive examination of the safe when Major Brusati entered, saluted, and remarked:
“Corporal Tonini is in the ante-room, Excellency.”
“I will see him alone,” said Hubert, “if I may be permitted?”
“Certainly, signore,” replied His Excellency politely. Then, addressing the Major, he said:
“Take Signor Waldron to the man. He wishes to see him.”
Promising the General to return and make his adieu, Hubert followed the artillery officer out into the corridor to a room on the opposite side.