But Volterra was not. He had valuable
friends, because his influence was of value, and he was informed of
much that was going on. If he was anxious to get rid of the architect,
it was not so much because he wanted for himself the whole price which
the statue or statues might bring, as because he feared lest the
government should suddenly descend upon Malipieri and make an enquiry
which would involve also the question of the pictures. So far,
Volterra had created the impression that the young man had been
concerned with a dealer in smuggling them out of the country; but in
case of an investigation it could easily be proved that they were gone
before Malipieri had arrived in Rome in answer to Volterra's
invitation. Besides, the Senator had discovered that the young
archaeologist was much more celebrated than was convenient. In private
affairs there is nothing so tiresome and inconvenient as the presence
of a celebrity. Burglars, when exercising their professional
functions, are not accompanied by a brass band.
Toto was very docile and quiet all that day. Masin thought him
philosophical, and continued to like him, after his fashion, providing
him with a plentiful supply of tobacco, a good meal at noon, and a
bottle of wine. The man's stony face was almost placid. At rare
intervals he made a remark.
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