They had been viséd, I had tied them up again in the big handkerchief, and was passing out.
Another moment and I should be upon French territory.
Suddenly, however, a heavy hand was placed upon my shoulder, and a voice exclaimed in Italian:—
“One moment! Excuse me. I have a word to say to you!”
Turning with a start I faced a short man in a light tweed suit, while behind him stood the two detectives.
My heart sank within me. I knew that the affair at the Villa Verde had been discovered, and that I was lost!