Grylls would have said) and in
vain, on the point of despair I succeeded with a few straight words.
"Marc'antonio," said I, "I have a notion about King Theodore."
"I am listening, cavalier."
"A suspicion only, and horribly to his discredit."
"It is the likelier to be near the truth."
"Could he--think you--have _sold_ his children to the Genoese?"
Marc'antonio cast a quick glance at me. "I have thought of that," he
said quietly. "He was capable of it."
"It would explain why they were allowed to live. A father, however
deep his treachery, would make that a part of the bargain."
Marc'antonio nodded.
"I would give something," I went on, "to know how Father Domenico
came by the secret. By confession of one of the sisters, you
suggest. Well, it may be so. But there might be another way--only
take warning that I do not like this Father Domenico--"
"I am listening."
"Is it not possible that he himself contrived the kidnapping--always
with King Theodore's consent?"
"Not possible," decided Marc'antonio, after a moment's thought.
"No more than you do I like the man: but consider.
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