He, who knew the influence which Cardinal Sanguinetti exercised over Santobono's excitable mind, had just understood the whole affair; no direct complicity but covert propulsion, the animal excited and then let loose upon the troublesome rival at the moment when the pontifical throne seemed likely to be vacant.

The probability, the certainty of all this flashed upon Boccanera who, though some points remained obscure, did not seek to penetrate them.

It was not necessary indeed that he should know every particular: the thing was as he said, since it was bound to be so.

"No, no, it was not Prada," he exclaimed, addressing Benedetta.

"That man can bear me no personal grudge, and I alone was aimed at, it was to me that those figs were given.