"I have heard that they are doing a great deal of smuggling, and it is in this work that they use the Gypsies especially. I have heard, too, of this Toutou you speak of. He is usually called Toutou LaFitte, but he has many other names. He is said to be a combination of blood-thirsty monster and intensely clever strategist. The band have ramifications in all classes of society, and there are few countries they do not reach. I have no doubt, Hugh, they made arrangements in your uncle's case with some affiliated criminal organization in America."
"Where do you get all this information?" asked Hugh curiously.
"I am a Gypsy," answered Nikka. "We Gypsies are really a separate people, and I grieve to say our lower orders constitute a criminal class. As it happens, I am well-known to my people, and many of them come and tell me what they hear."
"Why don't you tell this to the police?" demanded Mr. Bellowes.
"What good would it do? The police would laugh at me—and I should be stabbed some dark night as I came from a concert. No, I can turn my knowledge to better use by aiding Lord Chesby in his quest."
"It's blame lucky we have Nikka to help us!" I exclaimed. "And I'd like to ask him for his candid opinion on the treasure business."
"I don't know," said Nikka slowly. "I should not like to raise Hugh's hopes, but— Put it this way. I should not be surprised if it is true. Before we go any farther, let us ascertain the facts we have to go upon."
"That is my idea," agreed Hugh. "Mr. Bellowes, I gathered from Watkins that my uncle discussed his discovery with you. Did he indicate precisely what it was or where he had found it?"
Mr. Bellowes joined his fingers tip to tip with meticulous precision. A thoughtful expression possessed his face.
"I might as well admit," he began, "that you have shaken my judgments in the matter. The circumstances narrated are extraordinary. I am not prepared to endorse your conclusions, yet— Well, that is by the way, your lordship."