Chapter Sixteen.
Antonio Speaks Plainly.
“You, Antonio!” I gasped, staring at the fellow who, dressed in a dark grey suit and soft black felt hat, presented an appearance of ultra-respectability.
“Yes, signore, I am very surprised to find you here—in Rome,” he replied.
“Come,” I said abruptly, “tell me what has occurred. Why did you leave London so hurriedly?”
“I had some family affairs to attend to,” he answered. “I had to go to my home at Lucca to arrange for the future of my two nephews whose father is just dead. Pietro joined me there.”
“And you were joined also by Mr Kirk?” I said.
“Ah, no, signore!” protested the thin-faced Italian with an emphatic gesture. “I have not seen him since I left London.”