shrewd old man's reply.

"At one time there was a suspicion that you yourself had fired at
Mademoiselle."

"What!" gasped the old man, his countenance changing instantly. "Who
says that?" he asked angrily.

"The police were suspicious, I believe. And as far as I can gather they
are not yet altogether satisfied."

"Ah!" growled the old Italian in a changed voice. "They will have to
prove it!"

"Well, they declare that the shot was fired by either one or the
other of you," Benton said, much surprised at the curious effect the
allegation had upon the old fellow.

"So they think that if the Signorino Henfrey is innocent I am guilty of
the murderous attack--eh?"

Benton nodded.

"But they are seeking to arrest the signorino!" remarked the Italian.

"Yes. That is why I am here--to establish his innocence."

"And if I were to tell you that he was innocent I should condemn
myself!" laughed the crafty old man.

"Look here, Giulio," said Benton. "I confess that I have long ago
regretted the shabby manner in which I treated you when we were all in
Brussels, and I hope you will allow me to make some little amend." Then,
taking from his pocket-book several hundred-franc notes, he doubled them
up and placed them on the table.

"Ah!" said the old man. "I see! You want to _buy_ my secret! No, take
your money!" he cried, pushing it back towards him contemptuously. "I
want none of it."

"Because you are now earning an honest living," Benton sneered.

"Yes--and Il Passero knows it!" was Cataldi's bold reply.

"Then you refuse to tell me anything you know concerning the events of
that night at the Villa Amette?"

"Yes," he snapped. "Take your money, and leave me in peace!"

"And I have come all the way from England to see you," remarked the
disappointed man.

"Be extremely careful. You have enemies, so have I. They are the same as
those who denounced the signorino to the police--as they will no doubt,
before long, denounce you!" said the old man.

"Bah! You always were a pessimist, Giulio," Benton laughed. "I do not
fear any enemies--I assure you. The Sparrow takes good care that we
are prevented from falling into any traps the police may set," he added
after a moment's pause.

The old waiter shook his head dubiously.

"One day there may be a slip--and it will cost you all very dearly," he
said.

"You are in a bad mood, Giulio--like all those who exist by being
honest," Benton laughed, though he was extremely