So far, the only person he had seen was Il Duca himself.  The child who had decoyed him was, of course, somewhere about, and so also was Ferralti.  How many servants or followers the brigand might have was as yet a mystery to the new arrival.

In the side pocket of Uncle John’s loose coat lay a loaded revolver, which he had carried ever since he had received Mr. Watson’s warning letter.  He had never imagined a condition of danger where he could not use this weapon to defend himself, and as long as it remained by him he had feared nothing.  But he had been made a prisoner in so deft a manner that he had no opportunity to expostulate or offer any sort of resistance.  Later there might be a chance to fight for his liberty, and the only sensible action was to wait and bide his time.

“For example,” the Duke was saying, in his labored, broken English, “I have here a priceless treasure—­very antique, very beautiful.  It was in one time owned by Robert the Norman, who presented it to my greatest ancestor.”

He drew an odd-shaped ring from his pocket and handed it to the American.  It was of dull gold and set with a half dozen flat-cut garnets.  Perhaps antique; perhaps not; but of little intrinsic value.

“This ring I have decided to sell, and it shall be yours, Signor Merreek, at a price far less than is represented by its historic worth.  I am sure you will be glad to buy it.”

“For how much?” asked Uncle John, curiously.

“A trifle; a mere hundred thousand lira.”

“Twenty thousand dollars!”

“The ring of King Roger.  How cheap!  But, nevertheless, you shall have it for that sum.”

Uncle John smiled.

“My dear Duke,” he replied, “you have made a sad mistake.  I am a comparatively poor man.  My fortune is very modest.”

The brigand lay back in his chair and lighted a fresh cigarette.

“I fear you undervalue yourself, my dear guest,” he said.  “Recently have I returned from America, where I was told much of the wealth of Signor John Merreek, who is many times a millionaire.  See,” drawing a paper from his pocket, “here is a list of the stocks and securities you own.  Also of government and railway bonds, of real estate and of manufactures controlled by your money.  I will read, and you will correct me if an error occurs.”

Uncle John listened and was amazed.  The schedule was complete, and its total was many millions.  It was a better list of holdings than Uncle John possessed himself.

“You foreigners make queer mistakes, Duke,” said he, taking another tack.  “This property belongs to another John Merrick.  It is a common name, and that is doubtless why you mistook me for the rich John Merrick.”