I am as well known as Barabbas. It is very well understood that all the lawyers and all the Procurators are my friends, and a number of people apply to me to obtain advice for them and counsel for defence. Those who come to me are generally not rich, and I look about amongst the novices and the unemployed [lawyers] who want nothing but work in order to make themselves known. Do you know, sir, that though you see me as I am, I have made the fortunes of a round dozen of the most famous lawyers in the profession. Come, sir, courage, and if you are willing, I shall make yours too.’ It amused me to listen to her, and as my servant did not come, I continued the conversation. ‘Well, Signorina, have you any good affairs on hand now?’ ‘Yes, sir, I have several, indeed I have some excellent ones. I have a widow who is suspected of having occultated her monkey; another who wishes to prove a marriage contract got up after the fact; I have girls who are petitioning for a dowry; I have women who wish to bring suits for annulment of marriage; I have sons of good families who are persecuted by their creditors; as you see, you need only choose.’ ‘My good woman,’ I said, ‘so far I have let you talk; now it is my turn. I am young, I am about to begin my career, and I desire occasions for showing myself and obtaining occupation; but no love of work nor fancy for litigation could make me begin with the disgraceful suits you offer me.’ ‘Ha, ha!’ she laughed, ‘you despise my clients because I warned you that there was nothing to earn; but listen! My two widows are rich, you will be well paid, and shall be even paid in advance, if you wish.’ I saw my servant coming in the distance; I rose and answered the chattering woman in a fearless and resolute tone. ‘No, you do not know me, I am a man of honour....’ Then she took my hand and spoke gravely. ‘Well done! Continue always in the same mind.’ ‘Ah!’ I exclaimed, ‘you change your tone now?’ ‘Yes,’ she replied, ‘and the tone I take now is much better than the one I have been using. Our conversation has been somewhat mysterious; remember it and see that you speak to no one about it. Good-bye, sir. Always be wise, be always honourable, and you will be satisfied with the result.’ She went away, and I was left in the greatest astonishment. I did not know what all this meant; but I learned later that she was a spy and had come to sound me; yet I never knew, nor wished to know, who sent her to me. [Illustration: RIO DELLA SENSA] XIII THE LAST SBIRRI It is worth while to glance at the agents of the police, of the Council of Ten, and of the Inquisitors of State [Sidenote: _Mutinelli, Lessico._]