There were few skippers up or down the Mediterranean--or seamen, for the matter of that--who did not know Consul Hutchinson at Leghorn, and who had not at some time or another received little kindnesses at his hands. From "Gib." to "Constant." Jack Hutchinson had the reputation of being the best, most good-natured, and happiest of all His Majesty's Consuls, devoted to duty, not to be trifled with certainly, but ever ready to render immediate assistance to the Englishman in difficulties. "Well," he exclaimed, looking across at Armytage at last, when they were alone again, "I am glad you have called, because I have something to communicate in confidence to you." "In confidence?" Armytage repeated, puzzled. Mr Consul Hutchinson, still preserving his professional air of dignity as befitted his office, leaned one elbow upon the table, and looking straight into his visitor's face, said-- "The matter is a purely private, and somewhat painful one. You will, I hope, excuse what I am about to say, for I assure you it is in no spirit of presumption that I venture to speak to you. Remember, you are a British subject, and I am here in order to assist, sometimes even to advise, any subject of His Majesty." "I quite understand," Armytage said, mystified at the Consul's rather strange manner. "Well," Hutchinson went on slowly and deliberately, "I am informed that you are acquainted with a lady here in Leghorn named Fanetti--Gemma Fanetti. Is that so?" "Certainly. Why?" "How long have you known her? It is not out of idle curiosity that I ask." "Nearly seven months." "She is Florentine. I presume you met her in Florence?" "Yes." "Were you formally introduced by any friend who knew her?" "No," he answered, after slight hesitation. "We met quite casually." "And you followed her here?" "No. We met here again accidentally. I had no idea she was in Leghorn. Since our first meeting I have been in London several months, and had no knowledge of her address," he replied. "And you are, I take it, in ignorance of her past?" Hutchinson said. Armytage sat silent for a few moments, then quickly recovering himself said a trifle haughtily-- "I really don't think I'm called upon to answer such a question. I cannot see any reason whatever for this cross-examination regarding my private affairs." "Well," the Consul exclaimed seriously, "the reason is briefly this. It is an extremely painful matter, but I may as well explain at once. You are known by the authorities here to be an associate with this lady-- Gemma Fanetti." "What of that?" he cried in surprise. "From what I can understand, this lady has a past--a past which the police have investigated." "The police? What do you mean?" he cried, starting up.