"You seem to be familiar with the home of our gracious hostess," remarked Baskinelli.
"I make it a rule to be familiar with all homes in which Miss Marvin is entertained."
"Miss Marvin? You are, then a relative?"
"I am her guardian."
"Ah-h! You have control—perhaps—of certain small sums bequeathed to her?"
"Yes."
"And you would like to have as few persons as possible in the Chinatown party?"
"As few as possible."
In a place known only as Cagliacci's, in the dreg depths of Elizabeth street, the ringing of the telephone bell was much more startling, much more unusual than the crash of a pistol shot or the blast of a bomb.
The habitu's moved quietly to the door that leads to the roofs, while Pietro Cagliacci himself wiped the dust-covered receiver on his apron and put it to his ear.