"There is a certain sense in what the man says, sir," Masin said thoughtfully.
"My good man," said Malipieri, speaking down, "we do not want anybody to know the way to this place for a few days, and as you evidently know it better than we do, we intend to keep you quiet."
"If you will let me out, I can serve you," answered the man below.
"There is nobody in Rome who can serve you as I can."
"Who are you?" asked Malipieri.
"Are you going to let me out, Signor Malipieri?" enquired the man. "If you are, I will tell you."
"Oh, you know my name, do you?"
"Perfectly. You are the engineer engaged by the Senator Volterra to find the treasure."
"Yes. Quite right. What of that?"
"You have found it," answered the other. "Of what use will it be to kill me? I cannot take that statue away in my waistcoat pocket, if you let me out, can I?"
"You had better not make too many jokes, my man, or we will put the boards over this hole in five minutes. If you can really be of use to me, I will let you out. What is your name?"