To-morrow I will come for your answer. In
the meantime, confide in no one but yourselves. If you are indiscreet,
you alone will become the murderers of Signor Merrick and the sad young
Ferralti."
"Who are you?" asked Beth, examining the child closely.
"I am called Tato, signorina mia."
"Where do you live?"
"It is all explained in the letters, believe me."
Beth glanced at Patricia, who was examining the package, and now all
crowded around for a glimpse of Uncle John's well-known handwriting. The
wrapper was inscribed:
_"To Miss Doyle, Miss De Graf and Miss Merrick,_
_Hotel Castello-a-Mare, Taormina._
_By the safe hands of Tato."_
Inside were two letters, one addressed to Louise personally. She seized
this and ran a little distance away, while Beth took Uncle John's letter
from Patsy's trembling hands, and having opened it read aloud in a
clear and composed voice the following:
"My dear Nieces: (and also my dear friends, Silas Watson and
Kenneth Forbes, if they are with you) Greeting! You have
perhaps been wondering at my absence, which I will explain
by saying that I am visiting a noble acquaintance in a very
cozy and comfortable retreat which I am sure would look
better from a distance. My spirits and health are A No.
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