"You see how poor the people are here," said Dalny, as the horses slowed down to a walk. "We shall come soon, however, to a more interesting part of the street. Crime lurks here, also; not the more desperate crimes though. The Strada di Mara, in one part, is the resort of thieves who wish to dispose of their petty plunder by turning it into cash. And, as strange merchandise is dealt in here, the shops offer a variety of wares. We will presently look into one or two of the shops."
"What on earth can Dalny be driving at?" wondered young Ensign Darrin. "Can he think that we would enter such shops, and buy the plunder that thieves have sold there?"
At the next street corner an Italian lad with a sweet voice began to sing. Danny Grin noticed that most of the people in this steep, narrow alley, that was by courtesy called a street, were now going indoors. Only a man here and there remained outside.
"That's curious," thought Dan to himself. "Don't these people like music, that a street singer should drive them inside?"
When the carriage had passed on to the next block a man came out of a shop and waved his hand to the driver, who promptly reined in his horses.
"Gentlemen," urged the shop-keeper, in English, "be kind enough to step inside and look at some of the bargains I am offering."
Dave, who understood, whispered to Dalny:
"It can hardly be worth while to get out and look at what is probably stolen goods."
"On the contrary," rejoined Dalny, "this man is likely to show us some things that will help me in explaining the interesting points of Naples to you. Come!"
Opening the door of the carriage, the international plotter stepped out, leading the way. Of course Dave and Dan followed him.