Part 11 (2/2)

Fernet's heart bounded and sank almost in one leap. ”Let us go now, then,” he said, eagerly.

”As you wish,” replied Minetti.

Fernet paid for two dinners, and they reached for their hats.

”Where are you going?” asked Berthe, as she opened the door.

Fernet shrugged. ”I am in his hands,” he answered, sweeping his arm toward Minetti.

”You mean you will be,” muttered the hunchback, in an undertone.

Fernet heard him distinctly.

”Perhaps I had better leave him while there is yet time!” flashed through his mind. But the next instant he thought, contemptuously: ”What harm can he do me? Why, his wrist is no bigger than a pullet's wing.

Bah! You are a fool, Andre Fernet!”

They stepped out into the street. A languorous note was in the air; the usual cool wind from the sea had not risen. A waning moon silvered the roof-tops, making a pretense of hiding its face in the thin line of smoke above Telegraph Hill.

The hunchback led the way, trotting along in a fas.h.i.+on almost Oriental.

At the end of the second block he turned abruptly into a wine-shop; Fernet followed. They found seats in a far corner, away from the billiard-tables. A waiter came forward. They gave their orders.

”Be sure,” said Minetti to the waiter, ”that we have plenty of anisette and cognac in the coffee.”

The man flicked a towel rather contemptuously and made no answer.

”Now,” Minetti continued, turning a mocking face toward Fernet, ”what can I do for you, my friend?”

Fernet was filled with confusion. ”I ... you ...” he stammered. ”Really, there is nothing. Believe me-”

”Nonsense,” interrupted Minetti. ”You wish to know who killed Suvaroff.

But I warn you, my friend, it is a dreadful thing to share such a secret.”

He looked at Fernet intently. The younger man shuddered. ”Nevertheless, I should like to know,” Fernet said, distinctly.

”Well, then, since you are so determined-it was I who killed him.”

Fernet stared, looked again at the hunchback's puny wrists, and began to laugh. ”_You!_ Do you take me for a fool?” And as he said this he threw back his head and laughed until even the billiard-players stopped their game and looked around at him.

”What are you laughing at?” asked the hunchback, narrowing his eyes.

Fernet stopped. He felt a sudden chill as if some one had opened a door.

”I am laughing at you,” he answered.

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