The note would lie in the letter-box till morning.

At an early hour Don Vigilio, the secretary, who by the Cardinal's express orders kept the key of the box, would come down, find the note, and hand it to his Eminence, who never allowed another to open any communication addressed to him.

And then the figs would be thrown away, there would be no further possibility of crime, the black world would in all prudence keep silent.

But if the note should not be in the letter-box, what would happen then?
And admitting that supposition he pictured the figs placed on the table at the one o'clock meal, in their pretty little leaf-covered basket.

Dario would be there as usual, alone with his uncle, since he was not to leave for Naples till the evening.