The Pope went on to the reception room to fetch Cardinal Carvale. Not to neglect the superiors, (although He was very tired) He allowed them to show Him rather dubious and very ugly treasures; and tolerated half-an-hour of vapid conversation. They thought Him so nice. He was bored to death. After conferring the usual favours, He obtained a whole playday for the college: notified the rector that He was carrying off a student: arranged for Mr. Jameson to visit Cardinal Sterling; and took His departure. He put His acquisition into a victoria, and bade him drive to the obelisk in St. Peter's Square. "Dreadful place!" Hadrian ejaculated to Carvale as they turned down Tritone. "Do you think you could make it decent if you were rector?" "I would try, Holiness." "Well: We do not see how We can make you rector, because of Monsignor What's-his-name. But you might do something as protector----" "Gentilotto is protector, Holiness. St. Andrew's is subject to the Cardinal-Prefect of Propaganda." "Only for the present, Carvale. You will find that dear old Gentilotto is quite willing. And you yourself are a Kelt. Yes, that's right! A Keltic college should have a Keltic protector. Carvale, you are Protector of St. Andrew's College from this moment, and you shall have your breve directly We get back to Vatican. Now, first of all, go to Oxford and ask Dr. Strong to put you up for a week in coll.: and keep your eyes open. Do that with your first spare fortnight. Then come back and turn your rivers Peneios and Alpheios through that Aygeian stable. Give them baths and sanity, for goodness' sake; and try to get them into cleanly habits. You might make that shrubbery into a gymnasium and swimming bath with a lovely terrace on the top. And, O Carvale, do make friends with them, and see what you can do to take that horrible secretive suppressed look out of their young eyes. Understand?" "I think so, Holiness." "We give you a year. If We live as long as this day twelvemonth, We will go again to mark your progress. Remember, you have a free hand. Now here's something else. Tell Sterling that a--but no--We Ourself will tell him." At the obelisk they picked up Hamish Macleod. Hadrian marched him straight up to the quarters of the gentlemen of the secret chamber. Sir John and Sir Iulo, stripped to the buff were punching a bag. "John," said the Pope, "Mr. Macleod will be your guest for the present. Get him a room near your own and make him comfortable." He drew the young man outside while Sir Iulo was lavishing his lovely English on the visitor. "And John, reorganize his wardrobe on the scale of your own; and teach him your business." To Cardinal Sterling, who came to the secret chamber, Hadrian explained the case of William Jameson. "You have your opportunity," He said to His Eminency. "And one will not repeat one's previous mistake, Holiness," was the remarkable and thankful reply.