He was fond of plain speaking, this temporary ruler of Erythrea. The
sudden death of a Governor appointed from Rome had given him his
chance. He might be superseded at any moment by some carpetbagger with
political influence, and it went against the grain that the private
feuds of people whose quarrels did not interest him in the least should
be able to wreck his career. Alfieri came to him with good credentials.
If the man's story was borne out by facts, not only would Italy receive
a handsome sum from a colony which had hitherto been a drain on her
resources, but he, Marchetti, would reap some share of the credit, not
to mention the bonus promised for his assistance. His instructions from
headquarters were clear. He had acted within his rights in arresting
von Kerber and detaining Mr. Fenshawe until the latter gave up an
undertaking to land on Italian territory without permission. That he
had decided to release the Englishman unconditionally was a further
tribute to his good judgment. Having caged the hawk there was no harm
in freeing the pigeon.
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