"Ah! Hugh. If you could only return to us, instead of living under this awful cloud of suspicion!" the girl cried. "Every day, and every night, I think of you, dear, and wonder how you are dragging out your days in obscurity down in Kensington. Twice this week I drove along the Earl's Court Road, quite close to you."
"Oh! life is a bit dull, certainly," he replied cheerfully. "But I have papers and books--and I can look out of the window on to the houses opposite."
"But you go out for a ramble at night?"
"Oh! yes," he replied. "Last night I set out at one o'clock and walked up to Hampstead Heath, as far as Jack Straw's Castle and back. The night was perfect. Really, Londoners who sleep heavily all night lose the best part of their lives. London is only beautiful in the night hours and at early dawn. I often watch the sun rise from the Thames Embankment. I have a favourite seat--just beyond Scotland Yard. I've become quite a night-bird these days. I sleep when the sun shines, and with a sandwich box and a flask I go long tramps at night, just as others do who, like myself, are concealing their identity."
"But when will all this end?" queried the girl, as together they strolled in the direction of Bayswater, passing many whispering couples sitting on seats. London lovers enjoy the park at all hours of the twenty-four.
"It will only end when I am able to discover the truth," he said vaguely. "Meanwhile I am not disheartened, darling, because--because I know that you believe in me--that you still trust me."
"That man whom I saw in Nice dressed as a cavalier, and who again came to me in Scotland, is a mystery," she said. "Do you really believe he is the person you suspect?"
"I do. I still believe he is the notorious and defiant criminal 'Il Passero'--the most daring and ingenious thief of the present century."
"But he is evidently your friend."
"Yes. That is the great mystery of it all. I cannot discern his motive."
"Is it a sinister one, do you think?"
"No. I do not believe so. I have heard of The Sparrow's fame from the lips of many criminals, but none has uttered a single word against him. He is, I hear, fierce, bitter, and relentless towards those who are his enemies. To his friends, however, he is staunchly loyal. That is what is said of him."
"But, Hugh, I wish you would be more frank with me," the girl said. "There are several things you are hiding from me."