The brigands admitted that they knew nothing of these things. Asabri sighed.
"Two months ago," he said, "I was a rich man. To-day I have nothing. In a few days it will be known that I have nothing; and then, my friends—the deluge. Such is finance. From great beginnings, lame endings. And yet the converse may be true. I have seen great endings come of small beginnings. Even now there is a chance for a man with a little capital...."
He raised his eyes and hands to heaven.
"Oh," he cried, "if I could touch even five thousand lire I could retrieve my own fortunes and make the fortunes of whomsoever advanced me the money."
The sullen brigand had been doing a sum on his fingers.
"How so, excellency?" he asked.
"Oh," said Asabri, "it is very simple! I should buy certain stocks, which owing to certain conditions are very cheap, and I should sell them very dear. You have heard of America?"
They smiled and nodded eagerly.
"Of Wall Street?"