At the same moment thunder pealed in the sky, a heavy shower began to beat on the pavement.

The crowd swayed, and rapidly dispersed.

The _delegato_ gave an order to the cyclist, and entered the carriage with Benedetto.
They started in the direction of the Tiber, in the midst of thunder, lightning, and heavy rain.

Very quietly Benedetto asked the _delegato_ what was wanted of him at the police station.

He replied that it was not a question of the station.