In such a costume he would have no chance of passing the gates, which in those days were closed and guarded all night.
Del Ferice was a cautious man, and, like many another in those days, kept in his rooms a couple of disguises which might serve if he was hard pressed.

His ready money he always carried with him, because he frequently went into the club before coming home, and played a game of ecarte, in which he was usually lucky.

The question was how to enter the lodgings, to get possession of the necessary clothes, and to go out again, without exciting the suspicions of the detectives.
Temistocle's mind was soon made up.

He crept softly down the stairs, so as not to appear to have been too near, and then, making as much noise as he could, ascended boldly, drawing the key of the lodgings from his pocket as he reached the landing where the two men stood under the little oil-lamp.
"_Buona sera, signori_," he said, politely, thrusting the key into the lock without hesitation.

"Did you wish to see the Conte del Ferice ?" "Yes," answered the elder man, affecting an urbane manner.