Il Duca knows the exact wealth of every American who travels abroad and is likely to visit Sicily.

Many escape him, but a few wander into his toils, for he is wonderfully sagacious.

Mark you: he does not demand your all; he merely takes tribute, leaving his victims sufficient to render life desirable to them.

If he required their all, many would as soon forfeit life as make the payment; but a tithe they will spare for the privilege of living.

That is why he is so successful.