“When on my way back to the hotel, just at dusk, I crossed and passed down a street, thinking to shorten my route, but in a way became confused, and made up my mind I would inquire of the first person I came to.

“That, my boy, was the hand of fate leading me on, as you will speedily learn.

“In all these years that have flown I have at times heard of you.  I knew the skeleton that lay hidden in your family closet, and believing your mother innocent, made no sign, for she was supposed to be dead.

“Let me go back a step, and begging your pardon for the fact, confess that I heard your interesting interview with Lady Ruth.”

“Professor!” in reproach.

“My dear boy, it was all an accident.  I had thrown myself upon the lounge in the corner of the little parlor, for an after-dinner nap, when you came in and failed to notice me, owing to the arm-chair I had drawn in front of me to shut out the light.

“At first I thought you would simply look at the picture and then go away, but when I heard you telling her your sad story and the new hopes you entertained, I felt that I had a right to listen then.  Thus you understand how I know these facts.

“This takes me back to where I was lost in the streets of Valetta and forced to inquire my way.  As luck would have it I saw a man before me, but ere I reached him he was joined by a woman.

“I stood still; in the dusk I heard him say something that gave me a thrill, and as near as I can remember those words were: 

“’For love of you, Pauline Potter, I have assumed this disguise and become for the present Signor Stucco, the master of Valetta’s police.  Now give me orders; tell me how I am to win your favor; how bring to the Strada Mezzodi—­’ I heard no more, as his voice fell, but presently my ears, sharpened to an intensity, caught a name—­it was—­’Doctor Chicago.’”

“You interest me, professor; please proceed.”

“Ah! that is all.  I lost track of them and managed to work my way to the hotel in time for dinner.  When that man called you out, I recognized the dim figure I had seen talking with the soft-voiced woman at dusk.  It takes time for me to figure things out, and I must be beyond the range of her voice.  That was one reason I lay down in the little parlor.  When I heard you announce your intention of visiting the Strada Mezzodi I made up my mind to act quickly.  That is why I tapped you on the arm, why I am now tramping at your side.  Now let us probe deeper.

“Mark the first point; this Pauline is a shrewd creature, and doubtless possessed of more than an ordinary Corsican nature to hate so bitterly.”

“Ah! you know her mother was a Corsican?”

“I believe I have heard it told in New York, and it is easy to realize the fact now.  Pauline is a good hater—­her father was Scotch I presume.

“What I want to point out is this—­she has been investigating your record—­the skeleton in your closet, or rather your family, is no secret with her.”