Montalbano had met him the year before, when involved in the case later dubbed the terra-cotta dog. Were you in the middle of a lesson? asked Valente. In an uncommon show of good sense, a school principal in Maz, without involving the superintendency, had allowed some classrooms to be used to create a school for the local Tunisian children. Yes, but I called in a substitute. Is there a problem? Perhaps you could help clarify something for us. About what? About whom, rather. Ben Dhahab. They had decided,Valente and Montalbano, to sing only half the Mass to the schoolteacher. Afterwards, depending on his reactions, they would determine whether or not to tell him the whole story. Upon hearing that name, Rahman made no effort to hide his uneasiness. What would you like to know? It was up to Valente to make the first move; Montalbano was only a guest. Did you know him? He came and introduced himself to me about ten days ago. He knew who I was and what I represent. You see, last January or thereabouts, a Tunis newspaper published an article on our school.
