If they succeed in their vile plot, Mr.Watson, we shall be humiliated and disgraced forever." "Tut-tut," said he; "don't think of that.

Let us consider John Merrick, and nothing else." Louise protested that Beth had not been fair in her conclusions.

The Count was an honorable man; she would vouch for his character herself.
But Mr.Watson did not heed this defense.

The matter was very serious--how serious he alone realized--and his face was grave indeed as he listened to the descriptions of that terrible Il Duca whom the natives all shrank from and refused to discuss.
When he had learned all the nieces had to tell he hastened into the town and telegraphed the American consul at Messina.

Then he found the questura, or police office, and was assured by the officer in attendance that the disappearance of Mr.Merrick was already known to the authorities and every effort was being made to find him.
"Do you think he has been abducted by brigands ?" asked the lawyer.
"Brigands, signore ?" was the astonished reply.