So Miralda was being sacrificed to save her brother from the consequences of the “shame and crime” of which he had been guilty. That was unmistakably plain now; as plain as that Sampayo was the brute who was demanding the sacrifice as the price of his silence. In one way it was good news to me. I had feared that there might prove to be some other obstacle far more difficult to overcome. But the instant I sent Sampayo flying for life from the vengeance of the Corsican, Prelot, this barrier would cease to have terrors for either Miralda or her weak-kneed brother. It would be best, however, to learn what this crime was before dealing with Sampayo. It must be serious, for Vasco was absolutely helpless; so much so that Miralda had forbidden him to speak to me. But that must have been before our explanation on the _Stella_. Would she still forbid him? Other points in the interview were by no means so clear as the evidence of Sampayo’s power. Why had he been sent to me? Was it merely to ascertain whether I had escaped the snare laid on the previous night? If so why the request about the _Stella_? The two things appeared to be inconsistent, and yet there was a possible explanation. Knowing Vasco to be a fool, Sampayo had had to prompt him with a reason for the call, supposing I had escaped from the toils. Vasco was prepared to find me gone. He had blurted that out; and Sampayo had probably coached him with the request for the yacht to conceal his own hope--that I was dead--and at the same time to give him something to talk about if I were found at home. Could that request for the yacht be genuine? If so, for what purpose was it wanted? I could not answer that riddle at present, but I might be able to get the answer from Vasco. As I was leaving to go to Volheno, I remembered the ease with which Barosa’s men had got into the flat, so I told Bryant to get a new lock and a bolt and have them fitted that day. I had had enough of midnight visitors. Volheno received me as courteously as ever, but I soon found that he was profoundly perplexed about my conduct. “I expected you much earlier, Mr. Donnington.” “I am sorry. I didn’t get to bed till six o’clock and lay late.” “You’ll understand that I have been anxious to hear your news. You have rendered me a most valuable service by giving me the information about that Rua Catania house, and you will add immensely to my obligation if you’ll tell me about this affair last night in the Rua Formosa.” “I have not rendered you any service at all, as a matter of fact. I was coming to see you about your letter. It was a complete puzzle. I did not write to you at all.” “I don’t understand.” “Neither do I altogether. But if you received a letter signed with my name giving information, it was a forgery.” “Mr. Donnington! Are you serious?” “Never more sober in my life.” He rang his table bell. “Tell M. Dagara to come to me.” “He is out, sir.”