What it is
all about I don't know. But you will find the Senora both a keen
business woman and an accomplished antiquarian, if you have not
already discovered it.
"In regard to Lockwood and Mendoza, if we can get them in on our
side, it ought to prove a winning combination. There are stories
here of how de Moche has been playing on Mendoza's passions--she's
thoroughly unscrupulous and Don Luis is somewhat of a Don Juan. I
write this to put you on guard. Her son, Alfonso, whom you perhaps
have met also, is of another type, though I have heard it said
that he laid siege to Inez Mendoza in the hope of becoming allied
with one of the oldest families.
"Such, at least, is the gossip down here. I cannot presume to keep
you posted at such a distance, but thought I had better write what
is in every one's mouth. As for the inscribed dagger which Norton
has taken with him, I rely on you to inform me. There seems to be
a great deal of mystery connected with it, and I am unable even to
hazard a guess as to its nature. Fortunately, you are on the spot
"Very sincerely yours,
"HAGGERTY."
"So," remarked Kennedy, as he read over the translation of the
skiagraph which he had jotted down as we picked out the letters
and words, "that's how the land lies.
Pages:
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131