"Tut, tut! do be more explicit and get on," interrupted the little
Chief, testily.

"I ask nothing better; but if questions are put to me--"

The Judge interposed.

"Give us your story. We can interrogate you afterwards."

"The murdered man is Francis A. Quadling, of the firm of Correse &
Quadling, bankers, in the Via Condotti, Rome. It was an old house, once
of good, of the highest repute, but of late years it has fallen into
difficulties. Its financial soundness was doubted in certain circles,
and the Government was warned that a great scandal was imminent. So the
matter was handed over to the police, and I was directed to make
inquiries, and to keep my eye on this Quadling"--he jerked his thumb
towards the platform, where the body might be supposed to be.

"This Quadling was the only surviving partner. He was well known and
liked in Rome, indeed, many who heard the adverse reports disbelieved
them, I myself among the number. But my duty was plain--"

"Naturally," echoed the fiery little detective.

"I made it my business to place the banker under surveillance, to learn
his habits, his ways of life, see who were his friends, the houses he
visited. I soon knew much that I wanted to know, although not all. But
one fact I discovered, and think it right to inform you of it at once.
He was on intimate terms with La Castagneto--at least, he frequently