For the common spy of Europe may deceive the English or American
traveler; but the Frenchman, the German, the Spaniard, or the Italian,
always recognizes him.
So Brandon’s superior penetration discovered the true character of
Cigole.
He believed that this man was the same Cigole who had figured in the
affair of the _Vishnu_; that he had been sent out by Potts to do some
injury to himself, and that he was capable of any crime. Yet he could
not see how he could do any thing. He certainly could not incite the
simple-minded captain and the honest mate to conspiracy. He was too
great a coward to attempt any violence. So Brandon concluded that he had
simply come to watch him so as to learn his character, and carry back to
Potts all the knowledge that he might gain.
This was his conclusion after a close association of one month with
Cigole. Yet he made up his mind not to lose sight of this man. To him he
appeared only an agent in villainy, and therefore unworthy of vengeance;
yet he might be made use of as an aid in that vengeance. He therefore
wished to have a clew by which he might afterward find him.
“You and I,” said he one day, in conversation, “are both in the same
trade. If I ever get to England I may wish some time to see you. Where
can I find you?”
Cigole looked in twenty different directions, and hesitated for some
time.
“Well,” said he at last, “I do not think that you will wish to see me--”
and he hesitated; “but,” he resumed, with an evil smile, “if you
should by any possibility wish to do so, you can find out where I am by
inquiring of Giovanni Cavallo, 16 Red Lion Street, London.”
“Perhaps I may not wish to,” said Brandon, coolly, “and perhaps I may.
At any rate, if I do, I will remember to inquire of Giovanni Cavallo, 16
Red Lion Street, London.”
He spoke with deep emphasis on the address. Cigole looked uncomfortable,
as though he had at last made the mistake which he dreaded, and had
committed himself.
So the time passed.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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