COMMISSIONER. _The_ truth--_a_ truth? Excuse me, have I understood you clearly? You were suggesting that I commit a forgery? I am astonished that you dare propose such a thing, and when I say I am astonished, I'm not saying half what I actually feel. Be so good as to tell the Commendatore that I am here! LAUDISI (_dropping his arms dejectedly_). As you will, Commissioner! (_He steps over to the door on the left. As he draws the portières and swings the door more widely open, the voices become louder and more confused. As he steps through, there is a sudden silence. The police commissioner stands waiting with a satisfied air, twirling one of the points of his mustache. All of a sudden, there is commotion and cheering in the next room. Cries of delight and applause, mixed with hand-clapping. The police commissioner comes out of his reverie and looks up with an expression of surprise on his features, as though not understanding what it's all about. Through the door to the left come Agazzi, Sirelli, Laudisi, Amalia, Dina, Signora Sirelli, Signora Cini, Signora Nenni, and many other ladies and gentlemen. Agazzi leads the procession. They are all still talking and laughing excitedly, clapping their hands, and crying "I told you so! Fine! Fine! Good! How wonderful! Now we'll know!" etc._). AGAZZI (_stepping forward cordially_). Ah, my dear Centuri, I was sure you could! Nothing ever gets by _our_ chief! COMPANY. Fine! Good! What did you find out! Have you brought something? Is it she? Is it he? Tell us? COMMISSIONER (_who doesn't yet understand what all the excitement is about. For him it has been a mere matter of routine_). Why, no ... why, Commendatore, simply ... you understand.... AGAZZI. Hush! Give him a chance!... COMMISSIONER. I have done my best. I ... but what did Signor Laudisi tell you? AGAZZI. He told us that you have brought news, real news! SIRELLI. Specific data, clear, precise!... LAUDISI (_amplifying_). ... not many, perhaps, but well authenticated! The best they've managed to trace! Old neighbors of Ponza, you see; people well acquainted with him.... EVERYBODY. Ah! At last! At last! Now we'll know I At last! (_The Commissioner hands the document to Agazzi_). COMMISSIONER. There you have it, Commendatore! AGAZZI (_opening the sheet; as all crowd around him_). Let's have a look at it! COMMISSIONER. But you, Signor Laudisi.... LAUDISI. Don't interrupt, please, the document speaks for itself! Agazzi, you read it. AGAZZI (_to Laudisi_). But give me a chance, won't you? Please! Please! Now! There you are! LAUDISI. Oh, I don't care. I've read the thing already.