“For certain reasons,” Mademoiselle replied. “He dare not tell the truth!”
“Why?” asked Hugh.
“Because—well——” and she turned to The Sparrow. “You will recollect the affair we brought off in Brussels at that house of the Belgian baroness close to the Bois de la Cambre. A servant was shot dead. Giulio Cataldi shot him in self-defence. But Howell knows of it.”
“Well?” asked The Sparrow.
“Howell was in Monte Carlo on the night of the attempt upon me. I met him in the Casino half an hour before I left to walk home. He no doubt recognized Mr. Henfrey, who was also there, as the son of the man whom he had murdered, watched him, and followed him up to my villa. He suspected that Mr. Henfrey’s object was to face me and demand an explanation.”
“Do you really think so?” gasped Hugh.
“Of that I feel positive. Only Cataldi can prove it.”
“Why Cataldi?” inquired Hugh.
“See him again and tell him what I have revealed to you,” answered Mademoiselle of Monte Carlo.
“Who was it who warned me against you by that letter posted in Tours?”