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Hugh Henfrey was at last face to face with the loved hand of the wizened, bristly-haired old anization spread all over Europe--an organization which only knew Il Passero by repute, but had never seen him in the flesh
Yet there he was, a discreet, rather petulant old gentleman, who lived at ease in an exclusive West End street, and was entirely unsuspected!
When "Mr Peters" adered He was profuse in his thanks, but "The Sparrow" : "It is true that I and certain of my friends make war upon Society--and more especially upon those who have profiteered upon those brave felloho laid down their lives for us in the war Whatever you have heard concerning ive, Mr Henfrey At least I aly judged--as you are to-day"
"I have heardyou froh said frankly "But nothing to your detriallant sports the authorities"
"Oh, well!" laughed the shrewd old man "By the exercise of a little wit, and the possession of a little knowledge of the personnel of the police, one can usually outwit theh official at Scotland Yard dined with ht As I ay, and reputed to be the author of a book upon that subject, he discussed with me the latest crime problem hich he had been called upon to deal--the irl upon the beach on the north-east coast His frankness rather ahed
"But does he not recognize you, or suspect?" asked Hugh
"Why should he? I have never been through the hands of the police in raphed, nor have anize--that is all"
"Your organization isso it And frankly, I aain relaxed into a sphinx-like smile
"When I order, I am obeyed," he said in a curious tone "I ordered your rescue froly situation in Monte Carlo You and Miss Ranscomb no doubt believed the tall man ent to the ball at Nice as a cavalier to beto the contrary, because I only reveal my identity to persons whom I can trust, and then only in cases of extreme necessity"