moment later the bars creaked and the key whined once more. I
was a prisoner inside a house.

From the voices and the steps there seemed now to be several
people round me. I understand Italian a great deal better than I
speak it, and I could make out very well what they were saying.

"You have not killed him, Matteo?"

"What matter if I have?"

"My faith, you will have to answer for it to the tribunal."

"They will kill him, will they not?"

"Yes, but it is not for you or me to take it out of their hands."

"Tut! I have not killed him. Dead men do not bite, and his
cursed teeth met in my thumb as I pulled the sack over his head."

"He lies very quiet."

"Tumble him out and you will find that he is lively enough."

The cord which bound me was undone and the sack drawn from over
my head. With my eyes closed I lay motionless upon the floor.

"By the saints, Matteo, I tell you that you have broken his
neck."