To these
causes of coolness, might be added the iron-like nerves inherited from
nature. The latter were not easily disturbed, however critical the state
to which he was reduced. Still he had changed color, and his manner had
that thoughtful and unsettled air which denote the consciousness of being
in circumstances that require uncommon wariness and judgment. But his
final opinion appeared to be formed when he made the appeal mentioned in
the close of the last chapter, and he now only waited for the two or three
officials who were present to retire, before he pursued his purpose. When
the door was closed, leaving none but his examiners, Sigismund Balthazar,
and the group of females in the side-chapel, he turned, with singular
respect of manner, and addressed himself exclusively to the Signor
Grimaldi, as if the judgment which was to decide his fate depended solely
on his will.
"Signore," he said, "there has been much secret allusion between us, and
I suppose that it is unnecessary for me to say, that you are known to me.'
"I have already recognized thee for a country man," coldly returned the
Genoese; "it is vain however, to imagine the circumstance can avail a
murderer.
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