For their refreshment he has ordered a very full, stout wine--not drugged, for that they might discover upon awaking; but a wine that of itself would do the work of setting them to sleep very soundly.

Then, when all slept, and only he remained at table, like the drunkard that he is, it has been his habit to descend himself to the kitchen and possess himself of the messenger's hat.

With this he has returned to the hall, opened the lining and withdrawn a letter.
"Then, as I suppose, he has penned his answer, thrust it into the lining, where the other one had been, and secured it, as it was before, with his own hands.

He has returned the hat to the place from whence he took it, and when the courier awakens in the morning there is another letter put into his hand, and he is bidden to bear it to Vitelli." He paused a moment; then continued: "Lampugnani must have suspected something and watched Ramiro to make sure that his suspicions were well founded.

In that he was wise, but he was a fool to allow Ramiro to see what lie he had discovered.