The Cardinal was a good detective, but a bad policeman.

In his haste he had made the mistake of ordering Del Ferice to be arrested instantly and in his lodgings.

Had the statesman simply told the chief of police to secure Ugo as soon as possible without any scandal, he could not have escaped.

But the officer interpreted the Cardinal's note to mean that Del Ferice was actually at his lodgings when the order was given.

The Cardinal was supposed to be omniscient by his subordinates, and no one ever thought of giving any interpretation not perfectly literal to his commands.