"Then swear on the cross of the Redeemer Who
died for you, that you have been speaking the
truth to me."
The colonel stood still and gazed at it blankly.
He could not quite make up his mind which was
mad, he or the Cardinal.
"You have asked me," Montanelli went on,
"to give my consent to a man's death. Kiss the
cross, if you dare, and tell me that you believe
there is no other way to prevent greater bloodshed.
And remember that if you tell me a lie you
are imperilling your immortal soul."
After a little pause, the Governor bent down
and put the cross to his lips.
"I believe it," he said.
Montanelli turned slowly away.
"I will give you a definite answer to-morrow.
But first I must see Rivarez and speak to him
alone."
"Your Eminence--if I might suggest--I am
sure you will regret it. For that matter, he sent
me a message yesterday, by the guard, asking to
see Your Eminence; but I took no notice of it,
because----"
"Took no notice!" Montanelli repeated. "A
man in such circumstances sent you a message,
and you took no notice of it?"
"I am sorry if Your Eminence is displeased.
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