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a matter of security in the way that you mean. The Ca’ da Capo-Zendrini hasn’t been entered by any, how shall I say, unknown undesirable person,” he emphasized.
    His implication was clear. In his opinion the loss of the Contessa’s objects was to be explained from within the house itself.
    â€œBut the Contessa has no electronic system to protect the house.”
    This was one of the Contessa’s many peculiarities when it came to the eighteenth-century building. She tried to keep it as close as possible to what it had been when the Conte had died more than twenty years ago.
    â€œNor is one needed, signore, even here with what is a much larger building than your own.”
    Urbino allowed himself an amused smile at Vitale’s condescension to the Palazzo Uccello.
    â€œNonetheless isn’t it possible for someone unknown—undesirable or otherwise—to enter the house?” Urbino persisted.
    Urbino could think of some ways to get into the building, the two most obvious being through the garden or the water entrance.
    â€œVigilance, signor. We are most vigilant.”
    Urbino wondered whether the imperious Vitale was indulging in the ‘royal we,’ or whether he was referring to all the staff members and the Contessa as well.
    â€œI have no doubt about that.”
    Urbino then asked Vitale the same question he had asked Silvia, whether someone in the house might be playing a trick on the Contessa. The majordomo’s response was similar to Silvia’s.
    â€œIt would be a strange thing to do, signore. We all care about the Contessa too much to play cruel games with her. And we are not children. If you will excuse me, I have something I must attend to.”
    â€œOne more question. The Contessa mentioned something about a door knocker.”
    â€œA misunderstanding. The Contessa wished the old one to be replaced but forgot to tell me. It’s been attended to, as you must have noticed. Good day.”

9
    Urbino learned nothing more of interest from any of the other staff members until he spoke with Pasquale, the boatman and chauffeur.
    The young man had been hired shortly after Urbino’s return from Morocco when the position had become vacant with the death of his predecessor.
    Pasquale stood at attention, his white cap in his hand. He was a small, muscular man with dark eyes and crisp, black hair.
    â€œI don’t know what happens in the house,” he said.
    On the face of it, this comment was borne out by Pasquale’s position and its circumstances. Like Gildo at the Palazzo Uccello, Pasquale had rooms on the ground floor with immediate access to the motorboat and the water; and almost all his duties, by their very nature, took him away from the Ca’ da Capo-Zendrini. Yet during all the in-between hours he was free as long as he remained in the house or within close call. From time to time he took his meals with the others, if he wished.
    â€œI understand that,” Urbino said, “but you have opportunities to observe things that people like Silvia and Vitale, for example, don’t.”
    â€œThe view from the water, yes, it’s a different view.” A smile lit up Pasquale’s rugged face. “As signore sees from his gondola.”
    Urbino nodded. He wasn’t to be distracted, however. “So has this different view allowed you to observe anything that might be of help to the Contessa? Anything out of the ordinary perhaps? You know how troubled she is about her missing items.”
    The humor faded from the boatman’s face. “Some of the others have told me. But the Contessa lost nothing from the boat,” he added. “She lost nothing when she was with me.”
    â€œThat appears to be the case, yes. Have you seen anyone suspicious around the water steps? That door is often unlocked. It wouldn’t be impossible for someone to enter that way.”
    â€œBut the doors up to the first floor are locked,