He will force me to purchase an ancient brass candlestick for fifty thousand lira." Uncle John looked at his companion thoughtfully.
"Tell me, Count Ferralti," he said, "who you really are.

I had believed you were Il Duca's accomplice, until now.

But if he has trapped you, and demands a ransom, it is because you are a person of some consequence, and able to pay.

May I not know as much about your position in life as does this brigand duke ?" The young man hesitated.

Then he spread out his hands with an appealing gesture and said: "Not yet, Mr.Merrick! Do not press me now, I implore you.