"And the natives must have climbed these peaks at times and looked down into your secluded kingdom."
"If so, they have forgotten it."
"I see."
"I give to the churches and the poor, but in secret. If I have an enemy, he disappears—I do not know how; no one knows."
"Of course not. You are an improvement on your ancestors, Duke. Instead of being a brigand you belong to the Mafia, and perform your robberies and murders in security. Very clever, indeed."
"But again you are wrong, signore," replied the Duke, with a frown. "I have never known of this Mafia, of which you speak, nor do I believe it exists. For myself, I am no robber, but a peaceful merchant."
"A merchant?" returned Uncle John, surprised by the statement.
"To be sure. I have some ancient and very valuable relics in my possession, treasured most carefully from the mediæval days. These I sell to my friends—who are fortunately all foreigners like yourself and can appreciate such treasures—and so obtain for myself and my family a modest livelihood."
"And you expect to sell something to me?" asked Uncle John, understanding very well the Sicilian's meaning.
"It is my earnest hope, signore."