With a comical expression of resignation, the young girl allowed herself to be led away, while Helen and Mrs. Brewster-Curtis took seats to watch the figures.
"Come, Dick," said Steell in an undertone. "Let's go and smoke a cigar."
Leading the way he went into the smoking-room, where cigars and liquors were laid out. Turning to the youth, he inquired eagerly:
"Well—what about the Signor? What have you found out?"
Dick lit a cigarette and then calmly he said:
"Everything."
"What—to be specific."
"He's all and more than we expected."
"In other words—a crook?"
"Yes, and a dangerous one."