"You won't think me rude," he said. "But I should like to ask you a few questions."
"By all means," replied Jack.
"In the first place, who is this Italian and why does he persecute you?"
"He attempted my life on board ship; I have reason to think he put the wallet belonging to Mr. Cobb in my pocket; he frightened the horse and he endeavored to poison me."
"But why? It is incomprehensible to me."
Jack hesitated for a moment, and colored slightly.
"I will tell you, since you urge me," he replied. "Lord Maltravers and myself are rivals for your sister's hand."
"Ah! I suspected as much."
"Bambino, the Italian, is the paid spy and assassin of Maltravers."
Alfred Van Hoosen appeared confused, and a look of vexation crossed his face.