“Some people don’t understand the Torcello part.”
“I’m damned if I do sometimes myself.”
“How old are you, my Colonel, if it is not indiscreet to ask?”
“Fifty plus one. Why didn’t you find out from the concierge? I fill out a slip there for the Questura.”
“I wanted to hear it from you yourself and to congratulate you.”
“I don’t know what you are talking about.”
“Let me congratulate you anyway.”
“I can’t accept it.”
“You are very well liked in this city.”
“Thank you. That is a very great compliment.”
Just then the telephone buzzed.
“I’ll take it,” the Colonel said and heard Ettore’s voice say, “Who speaks?”
“Colonel Cantwell.”
“The position has fallen, my Colonel.”
“Which way did they go?”
“Toward the Piazza.”
“Good. I will be there at once.”
“Do you want a table?”
“In the corner,” said the Colonel and hung up.
“I am off for Harry’s.”
“Good hunting.”
“I hunt ducks day after tomorrow before first light in a botte in the marshes.”
“It will be cold, too.”
“I dare say,” the Colonel said and put on his trench coat and
