The matter is perfectly plain.

Your best course is to meet the Astrardente to-morrow at the appointed time, and simply present these papers for inspection.

No one can deny their authenticity, for they bear the Government stamp and the notary's seal, as you see, here and here.

If they ask you, as they certainly will, how you came by them, you can afford to answer, that, since you have them, it is not necessary to know whence they came; that they may go and verify the originals; and that in warning them of the fact, you have fulfilled a duty to society, and have done a service to the Astrardente, if not to Giovanni Saracinesca.

You have them in your power, and you can afford to take the high hand in the matter.