"
"When you are calmer we will talk."
"What do you mean, sir?"
"I mean that possibly there is something to be explained."
"Is it possible you gave me this picture with a purpose?"
"Yes, I handed you that picture with a purpose."
"And what was your purpose?"
"I desired to learn if you had ever seen him before."
The Italian had fully recovered command of his nerves and he said:
"No, I never saw this picture before."
"Did you ever behold the original?"
"Never."
"Then why your excitement when you beheld the photograph?"
"Was I excited?"
"Sir, you must be perfectly frank with me."
"Will you explain just what you are getting at?"
"Not until you have explained your excitement."
"I have nothing to explain."
"Neither have I."
There followed an interval of awkward silence, broken at length by the
Italian who said:
"There is design in all this."
"Yes, there is design."
"You will certainly intimate your design."
"I will intimate nothing."
"What is it you demand?"
"I demand to know the cause of your excitement.
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