“Not at present.”
“I believe you are teasing me. Where is Antonio?”
“At police headquarters.”
“Oh! with Matron Wood?”
“Not with that good woman, I fear.”
“Mr. Sharp, please, don’t tease me any more. What do you mean?”
“Antonio is under restraint of the law. He is a prisoner, for the present. Detained until Mr. Hale can consult with his New York people and find out their disposition toward the fellow. He has done criminal things without, apparently, any benefit to himself. He says there is something on his mind that he must tell you. We’ll call to see him on our way to the shopping district and get him over and done with. I’ve no desire to continue his acquaintance, myself.”
Jessica’s face grew serious.
“Oh! poor Antonio!”
“Quit that!” commanded “Forty-niner,” with more sharpness than he often used toward his beloved lady.