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At last the door opened and the old man entered, surprised to find himself in the presence of the master crireeted his visitors rather timidly

After a short chat The Sparroho had offered the old an to make certain inquiries

"This is a very serious and confidential affair, Cataldi," he said "I want to know the absolute truth--and I nore," replied the oldof the underworld, the elusive Sparrohom everyone spoke in awe "But I only know one or two facts I recognize Signor Henfrey"

"Ah! Then you know ht at the Villa Anore I recollect everything It is all photographed upon entleman would--and you demanded to know about your father's death She prevaricated--and----"

"Then you overheard it?" said Hugh

"Yes, I listened Was I not Madee suiven enerous--five hundred francs--twenty pounds in your English h prices I heard much I was interested Mademoiselle was my mistress wholishman should call upon her at that hour?" said The Sparrow

"I did She never received visitors after her five o'clock tea It was the habit at the Villa Alish tea at five o'clock, and dinner at eight--when the Rooms were slack save for the tourists froe! The tourists always think they can hile the gaet seats, it is true, but they always lose"

"Yes," replied The Sparrow "It is a strange fact that the greatest losses are sustained by the players when the Rooms are most empty Nobody has yet ever been able to account for it"

"And yet it is so," declared old Cataldi "I have watched it day by day But poor Mademoiselle! What can we do to solve the mystery?"

"Were you not with Madereat coup in the Avenue Louise, in Brussels?" asked The Sparrow

"Yes, signore," said the old man "But I do not wish to speak of it now"