Vietnam or Thailand ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
Updated: June 10, 2025
No one must suspect that I am here." "Is my uncle well?" asked Patsy, imploringly. "Quite well, mees." "And have you also news of Count Ferralti?" anxiously enquired Louise. "Oh, Ferralti? He is better. Some teeth are knocked out, but he eats very well without them," replied the child, with an amused laugh. "Where are our friends, my lad?" Kenneth asked.
"Whenever you say, Duke. You've got me in a hole, and I must wiggle out the best way I can." The brigand turned to Ferralti. "And you, signore?" he asked. "I do not know whether I can get the money you demand." "But you will make the attempt, as I shall direct?" "Yes." "Then, signori, it is all finished. In a brief time you will leave my hospitable roof."
Leaving the girls at the museum in charge of Ferralti, who had made no attempt to interfere in the dispute but implored Uncle John to pay and avoid trouble, the angry prisoner was placed in the same cab he had arrived in and, with the officer seated beside him, was publicly driven to the office of the magistrate.
He went to the door between the two rooms and threw it open, finding himself face to face with Count Ferralti. "Good morning, Count," said Uncle John, cheerfully. The other stared at him astonished. "Good heavens! Have they got you, too?" he exclaimed. "Why, I'm visiting his excellency, Il Duca, if that's what you mean," replied Mr. Merrick.
Uncle John watched the young fellow shrewdly, but could discover little harm in him except his attempt to deceive them in regard to his name and position. Yet in his mature eyes there was not much about Ferralti to arouse admiration, and the little man considered his girls too sensible to be greatly impressed by this youthful Italian's personality.
"We will not discuss that, signore, for I regret to say that your father is no longer able to honor drafts. However, your attorney can do so, and will, without question." Ferralti stared at him blankly. "What do you mean by that?" he demanded. The Duke shook the ashes from his cigar and examined the glowing end with interest.
"Allow me to offer you my card." Uncle John took the card and read: "CONTE LEONARDI FERRALTI, Milano, Italia." He carefully placed the card in his pocket-book. "Thank you," said he. "It's a fine morning, Count." "Charming, Mr. Merrick." Uncle John walked away. He was glad that he had not suspected the young man unjustly. When an imposture is unmasked it is no longer dangerous.
"Oh, the Americans are very rich, and they purchase my wares liberally. By the way, Signor Ferralti," turning to the young man, "have you decided yet the little matter of your own purchase?" "I will not buy your candlestick, if that is what you refer to," was the response. "No?" "By no means. Fifty thousand lira, for a miserable bit of brass!"
If you are indiscreet, you alone will become the murderers of Signor Merrick and the sad young Ferralti." "Who are you?" asked Beth, examining the child closely. "I am called Tato, signorina mia." "Where do you live?" "It is all explained in the letters, believe me."
Not in a thousand years!" cried Ferralti, wildly. And then this singular young man sank into a chair and burst into tears. Uncle John was puzzled. The slender youth for he was but a youth in spite of his thin moustaches exhibited a queer combination of courage and weakness; but somehow Uncle John liked him better at that moment than he ever had before.
Word Of The Day
Others Looking