"And if you stop me I will have the law of you for false imprisonment,
and bring heavy damages. You will be doing me a great injury in my
business."
"Precisely what I should like to do, my fine fellow. I can guess what
your business is. Nothing reputable, I feel sure."
"I'm not ashamed of it, and I have powerful friends behind me. I am
acting for--"
"Yes?" he asked me mockingly, for I had checked my tongue, fearing to
say too much.
"It is my affair. Enough that you will feel the weight of their hands
if you interfere with me in carrying out their instructions."
"Well, anyhow, tell me who you are. I've a right to know that in
exchange. You chose to help yourself to my name; now I insist upon
knowing yours."
I told him, not very readily, as may be supposed.
"Domenico Falfani? Is that your own or a 'purser's' name? Come, you
know what I mean. It's part of your stock in trade to understand all
languages, including slang. Is that the name he has given you?"--this
to the conductor. "Show me your way-bill, your _feuille de route_."
Jules at a nod from me produced it, and no doubt understood my reason
when in my turn I claimed to see it.
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