I have always found
the people of this district easy to get on with, if
they are reasonably treated. Of course, if you
once begin to threaten or coerce a Romagnol he
becomes unmanageable. But have you any reason for
supposing a new rescue scheme is intended?"
"I heard, both this morning and yesterday,
from confidential agents of mine, that a great
many rumours are circulating all over the district
and that the people are evidently up to some mischief
or other. But one can't find out the details;
if one could it would be easier to take precautions.
And for my part, after the fright we had
the other day, I prefer to be on the safe side.
With such a cunning fox as Rivarez one can't be
too careful."
"The last I heard about Rivarez was that he was
too ill to move or speak. Is he recovering, then?"
"He seems much better now, Your Eminence.
He certainly has been very ill--unless he was
shamming all the time."
"Have you any reason for supposing that
likely?"
"Well, the doctor seems convinced that it was
all genuine; but it's a very mysterious kind of illness.
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