“Because,” I retorted bluntly, “I do not enjoy the answer given me by his Eminence of Forli,” at which the elder cardinal burst out in a hearty laugh. “Assassination? Well, by Jupiter, the word is uncouth, and we will find one that will sit better on squeamish German stomachs! Say, then, we discuss the means for the withdrawal, departure, translation to a happier Elysian field than Rome of the learned and pious Monsignore di Bari.” I could see both Forli and Rocca watching me with the same glance itinerant students fix on younger neophytes, when testing their ability to drain a very deep flagon. But I was resolved not to let myself be browbeaten. “Your Eminences,” I said a little crossly, “do not think I fail to appreciate the service you have proposed to do a very young man like myself; but you must not think me ungrateful if I say I did not contemplate the murder of the Archbishop of Bari when I accepted this appointment.” “And what, pray,” drawled Rocca with insulting irony, “did the estimable Graf von Lichtenstein zum Regenstein conceive we _did_ purpose to arrange at this charming tête-à-tête?” I was aware I seemed to play the fool. I was no stranger at Rome. However, I refused to capitulate. “You told me to come and concert the displacement of Bari. Good. I will do so. So far I go with you. He has intrigued against His Holiness with the King of France. We can secure proofs. The Spanish Ambassador will aid us. My body-servant Andrea knows some women in Bari’s household; through them we can get gossip to be used against him. A little cleverness--such as your Eminences can so readily supply--will suffice to send Bari an outlaw to Paris. Assassination becomes doubly a crime when it is needless.” Forli sat back in his armchair, complacently twirling his thumbs. “My dear Gualtiero,” he said slowly, “despite your Germanisms I love you well, and so of course does Marianna. But I confess it is your thick northern wits that now are working, not your Italian ones. You stick at poison or dagger, but a man’s fair name or riches you would filch with all merriment: though betwixt a swift, easy death, and an outlawry with Donna Poverty for companion and mistress--_pro dei immortales!_ give me the dying! Besides, your scheme is impracticable. You know how strong French influence is with His Holiness, King Francis will move heaven and hell to save a precious adherent from disgrace. Bari is a skilful huntsman, a good Latin versifier, and plays excellently at cards--three strong reasons why Leo will hesitate to believe ill of him. In fine--_amico mio_--you are brought back to only one way,--a very short one.”