hotel, but I had been compelled to plead
business, for, as a matter of fact, I had become filled with curiosity
regarding the mission of inquiry upon which I had been sent.

Prati kept a wine-shop, an obscure place which did not inspire
confidence. He was a beetle-browed fellow, short, with deep-set
furtive eyes, and he struck me as being a thief--or perhaps a receiver
of stolen property. The atmosphere of the place seemed mysterious and
forbidding.

I told him that I had come from "The Golden Face." At mention of the
name he started and instantly became obsequious. By that I knew that
he had some connection with the gang.

Then I demanded of him what he knew of the mysterious Marchesa
Romanelli, adding that I had come from England to obtain the
information which "The Golden Face" knew he could furnish.

I saw that I was dealing with a clever thief who carried on his
criminal activities under the guise of a dealer of wines.

"Yes, signore," he said. "I know the Marchesa. She is a leader of
smart society, both here and in Naples. During the war she spent a
large sum of money in establishing her fine hospital out at Porta
Milvio. She was foremost in arranging charity concerts, bazaars, and
other things in aid of those blinded at the war. Could such a wealthy
patriotic woman, whose husband is one of Italy's most famous admirals,
possibly be anything other than honest and upright?"

His reply took me aback, until his sinister face broadened into a
smile. Then I said:

"I admit that. But you know more than you have told me, Signor Prati,"
and then added: "Because the woman has risen to such high favor and
her actions have always shown her to be intensely charitable, there
is no reason why she should not be wearing a mask--eh?"

He only laughed, and, shrugging his shoulders, replied:

"Go to Naples and seek for yourself. The suspicions of 'The Golden
Face' are well-grounded, I assure you."

So, unconvinced, I returned to the Grand Hotel full of wonder. I was
not satisfied, so I determined to take Prati's advice and see for
myself what manner of woman was this Marchesa. Fortunately, although
it was out of the season, she was in Naples. Having two old friends
there I went south with my companions two days later, and we installed
ourselves at the Palace Hotel with its wonderful views across the bay.
I had little difficulty in obtaining an introduction to the woman whom
I sought. It took place one evening at the house