“And by what means are you able to get them secretly out of the country?” inquired Chisholm, much interested in this newly discovered traffic.
“By various means. Sometimes as stowaways; at others, in our own fishing-smack from one or other of the villages along the south coast. There are a dozen different ways.”
“And are none safe for me?”
The old man shook his head dubiously.
“For you, all are dangerous.”
“All, save one,” chimed in the younger man, exchanging glances with his companion.
“And what is that?” Chisholm asked.
“It is our secret,” the old man replied, shutting his thin lips tightly with a grin of self-satisfaction.
“I was informed by Marucci that you were prepared to assist me!” exclaimed Chisholm in a tone of annoyance; “but if you are not, then I may as well wish you good-night.”
“If the signore will exercise a little patience, he shall hear our plan,” the old man Bernini assured him. “I am all attention.”