“Nothing easier. All men's professions can be brought to an easy test,—so long as money exists.”
“Let me know where to write to you, and I will see what can be done.”
“Or, rather, let me have your address, for my whereabouts is somewhat uncertain.”
Cutbill wrote his name and Cattaro on a slip of paper, and the old fellow smiled grimly, and said, “Ah! that was your clew, then, to this discovery. I knew Giacomo died there, but it was a most unlikely spot to track him to. Nothing but chance, the merest chance, could have led to it?”
This he said interrogatively; but Cutbill made no reply.
“You don't care to imitate my frankness, sir; and I am not surprised at it. It is only a fellow who has worn rags for years that does n't fear nakedness. Is my son travelling alone, or has he a companion?”
“He had a companion some short time back; but I do not know if they are together now.”
“I shall learn all that at Rome.”
“And have you no fears to be seen there? Will the authorities not meddle with you?”
“Far from it. It is the one state in Europe where men like myself enjoy liberty. They often need us,—they fear us always.”