" again and again Yet aware that Gennaro was no more happy than presence My poor husband would sit pale and listless, listening endless raving upon politics and upon social questions which made up our visitor's conversation Gennaro said nothing, but I, who knew him , could read face some emotion which I had never seen there before At first dislike And then, gradually, I understood more than dislike fear- deep, secret, shrinking fear That night- the night that his terror- I put my arms round him and I implored him by his love and by all that he held dear to hold nothing from me, and me why this huge man overshadowed him so

" me, and my own heart grew cold as ice as I listened My poor Gennaro, wild and fiery days, when all the world seemed against him mind was driven half mad injustices of life, had joined Neapolitan society, the Red Circle, allied old Carbonari The oaths and secrets brotherhood were frightful, but once within its rule no escape was possible When we had fled to America Gennaro thought that he had cast it all off forever his horror one evening to meet streets the very man who had initiated him in Naples, the giant Gorgiano, man who had earned the name of 'Death' south of Italy, for red elbow in murder ! He had come to New York to avoid the Italian police, and he had already planted branch dreadful society new home All this Gennaro told me and showed me summons which he had received that very day, Red Circle drawn head of it telling him that lodge held upon certain date, his presence at required and ordered

"That was bad enough, but worse was I had noticed for that when Gorgiano came , as he constantly did, evening, he spoke much ; and even when his words were to my husband those terrible, glaring, wildbeast eyes were always turned upon me One night his secret came out I had awakened what 'love' within him- the love of brute- savage Gennaro yet returned when He pushed his way in, seized me mighty arms, hugged me bear's embrace, covered me with kisses, and implored me away struggling and screaming when Gennaro entered and attacked him He struck Gennaro senseless and fled house which never more to enter deadly enemy that that night

"A later came the meeting Gennaro returned with face which told me that something dreadful had occurred worse than imagined possible The funds society were raised by blackmailing rich Italians and threatening them with violence should they refuse the money It seems that Castalotte, our dear friend and benefactor, approached He had refused to yield to threats, and he had handed the notices police resolved how that such an example of him as would prevent victim, from rebelling meeting arranged that he house blown up with dynamite drawing of lots carry out the deed Gennaro saw our enemy's cruel face, smiling at him as he dipped his hand bag it prearranged in some fashion, fatal disc Red Circle upon it, the mandate for murder, which lay upon his palm to kill his best friend, or to expose himself and me vengeance comrades part fiendish system to punish those whom they feared or hated by injuring their own persons but those whom they loved, and it knowledge which hung as terror over my poor Gennaro's head and drove him nearly crazy with apprehension

"All that night we sat together, our arms round , each strengthening each troubles that lay The very next evening fixed attempt By midday my husband and I were way to London, but not before he had given our benefactor full warning danger, and had also left such information police as would safeguard his life future

"The rest, gentlemen, for yourselves We enemies behind us like our own shadows Gorgiano had his private reasons for vengence, but in any case how ruthless, cunning, and untiring be Both Italy and America are full of stories dreadful powers If ever they were exerted it now My darling made use few clear days which our start had given us in arranging for refuge fashion that no possible danger could reach me own part, free that he might communicate both American and Italian police myself know where he lived, or how All that I learned was columns of newspaper But once as I looked through my window, two Italians watching the house, and I understood that in some way Gorgiano had found out our retreat Finally Gennaro told me, paper, that signal from certain window, but signals came they were nothing but warnings, which were suddenly interrupted very clear now that Gorgiano close upon him, , thank God ! ready for him when And now, gentlemen, whether anything to fear law, or whether any judge upon earth would condemn my Gennaro for what he ? "

"Well, Mr Gregson," said the American, looking across official, "I don't know what your British point of view , but I guess that in New York this lady's husband will receive pretty general vote of thanks "

"She with me the chief," Gregson answered "If what she says is corroborated, she or her husband has much to fear But what 't make head or tail of, Mr Holmes, is how on earth you got yourself mixed up matter "

"Education, Gregson, education Still seeking knowledge old university Well, Watson, one more specimen tragic and grotesque to add to your collection , eight o'clock, and Wagner night at Covent Garden ! burry, second act "