Mr. Sagon is what they call an expert. He can't
speak much English yet, but sometimes even the government," in an awed
tone, "sends for him to come to the customs house to tell them how
much diamonds are worth, that people bring in. He works for Baum
Brothers and Wright. The others," bulking them as being of no
consequence, "are all gentlemen who are employed on the directory
under Mr. Hertz."
"Have you any Italian lodgers other than Mr. Spatola?"
The woman shook her head.
"No," she said, "and I don't want none, if this is the way they carry
on."
"Are there any other rooming houses in the street?"
"No, sir. It's only a block long, and I know every house in it. I'm
the only one as takes lodgers."
"Are there any Italians in business in the block, or employed in any
of the business places?"
Mrs. Marx again shook her head positively.
"Not any."
"You speak of a Mr. Sagon. Of what nationality is he?"
"Oh, he's French, but he's lived a long time in Antwerp. That's where
he learned the diamond business. And he must have lived in other
places in Europe; Mr. Spatola says he has spoken of them often."
Just then there came from below the sound of a heavy voice, singing.
The words were French and the intonation here and there was strange to
Ashton-Kirk.
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