Part 52 (2/2)
”And if you said a word to them, Signor Benton, then you would implicate yourself,” the old man growled. Seeing hostility in the Englishman's att.i.tude he instantly resented it.
”Probably. But as I have no intention of giving you away, my dear Giulio, I do not think we need discuss it. What I am anxious to do is to establish the guilt--or the innocence--of Hugh Henfrey,” he went on.
”No doubt. You have reason for establis.h.i.+ng his guilt--eh?”
”No. Reasons for establis.h.i.+ng his innocence.”
”For your own ends, Signor Benton,” was the shrewd old man's reply.
”At one time there was a suspicion that you yourself had fired at Mademoiselle.”
”What!” gasped the old man, his countenance changing instantly. ”Who says that?” he asked angrily.
”The police were suspicious, I believe. And as far as I can gather they are not yet altogether satisfied.”
”Ah!” growled the old Italian in a changed voice. ”They will have to prove it!”
”Well, they declare that the shot was fired by either one or the other of you,” Benton said, much surprised at the curious effect the allegation had upon the old fellow.
”So they think that if the Signorino Henfrey is innocent I am guilty of the murderous attack--eh?”
Benton nodded.
”But they are seeking to arrest the signorino!” remarked the Italian.
”Yes. That is why I am here--to establish his innocence.”
”And if I were to tell you that he was innocent I should condemn myself!” laughed the crafty old man.
”Look here, Giulio,” said Benton. ”I confess that I have long ago regretted the shabby manner in which I treated you when we were all in Brussels, and I hope you will allow me to make some little amend.” Then, taking from his pocket-book several hundred-franc notes, he doubled them up and placed them on the table.
”Ah!” said the old man. ”I see! You want to _buy_ my secret! No, take your money!” he cried, pus.h.i.+ng it back towards him contemptuously. ”I want none of it.”
”Because you are now earning an honest living,” Benton sneered.
”Yes--and Il Pa.s.sero knows it!” was Cataldi's bold reply.
”Then you refuse to tell me anything you know concerning the events of that night at the Villa Amette?”
”Yes,” he snapped. ”Take your money, and leave me in peace!”
”And I have come all the way from England to see you,” remarked the disappointed man.
”Be extremely careful. You have enemies, so have I. They are the same as those who denounced the signorino to the police--as they will no doubt, before long, denounce you!” said the old man.
”Bah! You always were a pessimist, Giulio,” Benton laughed. ”I do not fear any enemies--I a.s.sure you. The Sparrow takes good care that we are prevented from falling into any traps the police may set,” he added after a moment's pause.
The old waiter shook his head dubiously.
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