A gentleman got out, pushed his way through the crowd, and entered the house.

The cyclist remained near the carriage.
The gentleman exchanged a few words with the concierge, whom he desired to accompany him as far as the door, where the little hunchback stood, trembling, and clasping her rosary.

He knocked, regardless of her silent gesticulations, as she implored the Madonna to send this intruder away.
It was Benedetto who came to open the door.
"I beg your pardon," said the stranger, politely, "are you Signor Maironi ?" "I no longer bear that name," Benedetto replied, quietly, "but I once bore it." "I am sorry to trouble you.

I should be greatly obliged if you would kindly come with me.

I will tell you where presently." The sick man heard the stranger's words, and groaned: "No, holy man, for the love of God, do not go away!" Benedetto replied: "Please tell me your name, and why you wish me to go with you." The other seemed embarrassed.
"Well," said he, "I am a _delegato_, an officer of the police." The invalid exclaimed _"Gesummaria!"_ while the terrified hunchback dropped her rosary and stared at Benedetto, who had not been able to check a movement of surprise.
The police officer hastened to add, smiling, that his visit was not of a terrible nature, that he was not come to arrest any one, that he was not giving an order, but simply an invitation.
The invitations of the police being of a special nature, Benedetto did not think of refusing this one.