My instincts and my reason told me it must be Mariani at last.

In an instant I had leapt from the bed and whispered through the keyhole: "Who is there ?" "It is I--Mariani--the seneschal," came the old man's voice, very softly, but nevertheless distinctly.

"They have taken the key." I groaned, then in a gust of passion I fell to cursing Ramiro for that precaution.
"You have the letter ?" came Mariani's voice again.
"Aye, I have it still," I answered.
"Have you seen what it contains ?" "A plot to assassinate the Duke--no less.

Enough to get this bloody Ramiro broken on the wheel." I was answered by a sound that was as a gasp of malicious joy.

Then the old man's voice added: "Can you pass it under the door?
There is a sufficient gap." I felt, and found that he was right; I could pass the half of my hand underneath.