‘Very,’ assented the Italian drily. Tor felt disposed to give way to a natural desire to knock the fellow down; but he controlled himself, and continued quietly: ‘When Mr. Torwood returns from the voyage on which he has started for his health, the whole world is welcome to say what it likes. When he is here to answer for his identity, as I can answer for mine, I do not care one iota for what anybody may please to say. He and I can convince everyone who wishes convincing, as to who and what we are. But whilst he is away, and beyond the reach even of letters, I would much rather nothing was said which could raise such a doubt in my friend’s mind. Not that I care so very much about it;’ and here Tor held his head up proudly. ‘I can hold my own, I flatter myself, before the world, and in defiance of any doubts anybody likes to cast upon me. You are welcome to say and do what you choose. I am not going to sue to any man; but I advise you, for your own sake, to take care what you do, because I am better as a friend than as an enemy; and I am honest enough to tell you candidly, that to raise a doubt as to my right to my name would be unpleasant for me during Torwood’s absence, and that if you raise that doubt, you will gain a tolerably dangerous enemy.’ The Italian was silent awhile. He was, perhaps, surprised at this sudden outburst. Tor believed this declaration of strength and independence had done good to his cause, for Signor Pagliadini looked at him with more of respect and less of mockery than he had done before. ‘Signor Debenham,’ he said gravely, ‘it is not my wish to cause you any needless annoyance. I may be puzzled—I may not trust you altogether as a friend—but I have no wish to be your enemy. I will not be treacherous. I will not take you by surprise. If I have anything to announce to the world, I will announce it to you first in private.’ Tor smiled, and bent his head in seemingly somewhat ironical gratitude. In reality, he was really grateful for this pledge. He could carry things off with a high hand to a certain point; but beyond that he dared not go. He knew if any enemy of his once got hold of the idea that this man evidently possessed (that he was merely masquerading as Philip Debenham, being in reality Torrington Torwood)—if Mrs. Belassis, or any enemy of his, had this idea once put into their minds, then in truth it would be hard to brazen out his part. Close cross-examination must bring out the truth. Beyond a certain point no cleverness nor coolness could carry him; and it was something to gain the promise Pagliadini had voluntarily made. If the worst came to the worst—if the Italian did discover his secret, he could but tell him the whole truth, and throw himself upon his mercy. If he were really Phil’s friend, he would most likely be ready to become an ally. If not Phil’s friend, what interest could he possibly have in the matter?