“Then he is head of a gang—is he?”
“Yes,” was the man’s reply. “He is marvellous, and has indeed well earned his sobriquet ‘Il Passero.’”
A sudden thought flitted through Hugh’s mind.
“I suppose he is a friend of Mademoiselle of Monte Carlo?”
“Ah, signore, I do not know. Il Passero had many friends. He is rich, prosperous, well-dressed, and has influential friends in France, in Italy and in England who never suspect him to be the notorious king of the thieves.”
“Now, tell me,” urged young Henfrey. “What do you know concerning Mademoiselle of Monte Carlo?”
The Italian looked at him strangely.
“Nothing,” he replied, still speaking bad French.
“You are not speaking the truth.”
“Why should I tell it to you? I do not know you!” was the quick retort.