Italian methods are not English, you know." "By Jove, sir, and I'm jolly glad they're not!" he said.

"I shouldn't think a police officer's life is a very safe one among all those secret murder societies I've read about." "Ah! what you read about them is often very much exaggerated," I assured him.

"It is the vendetta which is such a stain upon the character of the modern Italian; and depend upon it this affair in Rannoch Wood is the outcome of some revenge or other--probably over a love affair." "But you will assist us, sir ?" he urged.

"You know the Italian language, which will be of great advantage; besides, the victim was your servant." "Be discreet," I said.

"And in return I will do my very utmost to assist you in hunting down the assassin." And thus we made our compact.