xpected would see the light--his movements, intentions,
ideas, even his inmost thoughts. The book--which he no doubt lost
inadvertently is very incriminating to himself and his friends."

"What do you imply?" hastily inquired Sir Charles.

"Simply that it is on that which is written here that we base one
part, perhaps the strongest, of our case against the Countess.
It is strangely but convincingly corroborative of our suspicions
against her."

"May I look at it for myself?" went on the General in a tone of
contemptuous disbelief.

"It is in Italian. Perhaps you can read that language? If not, I
have translated the most important passages," said the Judge,
offering some other papers.

"Thank you; if you will permit me, I should prefer to look at the
original;" and the General, without more ado, stretched out his
hand and took the note-book.

What he read there, as he quickly scanned its pages, shall be told
in the next chapter. It will be seen that there were things
written that looked very damaging to his dear friend, Sabine
Castagneto.

CHAPTER XVIII

Ripaldi's diary--its ownership plainly shown by the record of his
name in full, Natale Ripaldi, inside the cover--was a commonplace
note-book bound in shabby drab cloth, its edges and corners
strengthened with some sort of white metal. The pages were of
coarse paper, lined blue and red, and they were dog-eared and
smirched as though they had been constantly turned over and used.

The earlier entries were little more than a record of work to do
or done.

"Jan. 11. To call at Cafe di Roma, 12.30. Beppo will meet me.

"Jan. 13. Traced M. L. Last employed as a model at S.'s studio,
Palazzo B.

"Jan. 15. There is trouble brewing at the Circulo Bonafede;
Louvaih, Malatesta, and the Englishman Sprot, have joined it. All
are noted Anarchists.

"Jan. 20. Mem., pay Trattore. The Bestia will not wait. X. is also
pressing, and Mariuccia. Situation tightens.

"Jan. 23. Ordered to watch Q. Could I work him? No. Strong doubts
of his solvency.

"Feb. 10, 11, 12. After Q. No grounds yet.

"Feb. 27. Q. keeps up good appearance. Any mistake? Shall I try
him? Sorely pressed. X. threatens me with Prefettura.

"March 1. Q. in difficulties. Out late every night. Is playing
high; poor luck.

"March 3. Q. means mischief. Preparing for a start?

"March 10. Saw Q. about, here, there, everywhere."

Then followed a brief account of Quadling's movements on the day
befo