I have funds from Corbario to pay any possible expenses in the case." "Who is that man ?" asked the Superintendent.

"There has been a great deal of talk about him in the papers since his stepson was lost.

What was he before he married the rich widow ?" The Chief of Police did not reply at once, but lit a cigarette preparatory to going away, smoothed his hat on his arm, and flicked a tiny speck of dust from the lapel of his well-made coat.

Then he smiled pleasantly and gave his answer.
"I suppose that before he married Consalvi's widow he was a gentleman of small means, like many others.

Why should you think that he was ever anything else ?" To this direct question the Superintendent had no answer ready, nor, in fact, had the man who asked it, though he had looked so very wise.