Jorce, looking smaller and more like a fairy changeling than
ever, was evidently pleased to see Lucian, but a look on his dry, yellow
face indicated that he was somewhat puzzled to account for the visit.
However, preliminary greetings having passed, Lucian did not leave him
long in doubt.

"Dr. Jorce," he said boldly, and without preamble, "I have called to see
you about that alibi of Signor Ferruci's."

"Alibi is a nasty word, Mr. Denzil," said Jorce, looking sharply at his
visitor.

"Perhaps, but it is the only word that can be used with propriety."

"But I thought that I was called on to decide a bet."

"Oh, that was Count Ferruci's clever way of putting it," responded
Lucian, with a sneer. "He did not wish you to know too much about his
business."

"H'm! Perhaps I know more than you think, Mr. Denzil."

"What do you mean, sir?" cried Lucian sharply.

"Softly, Mr. Denzil, softly," rejoined the doctor, waving his hand. "I
shall explain everything to your satisfaction. Do you know why I went to
Italy?"

"No; no more than I know why you went with Signor Ferruci," replied
Lucian, recalling Link's communication.

"Ah!" said Jorce placidly, "you have been making inquiries, I see. But
you are wrong in one particular. I did not go to Italy with Ferruci--I
left him in Paris, and I went on myself to Florence to find out the true
character of the man."

"Why did you wish to do that, doctor?"

"Because I had some business with our mutual friend, the Count, and I
was not altogether pleased with the way in which it was conducted. Also,
my last interview with you about that bet made me suspicious of the man.
Over in Florence I learned sufficient about the Count to assure me that
he is a bad man, with whom it is as well to have as little to do as
possible. I intended to return at once with this information and call on
you, Mr. Denzil. Unfortunately, I fell ill of an attack of typhoid fever
in Florence, and had to stay there these two months."

"I am sorry," said Lucian, noting that the doctor did look ill, "but why
did you not send on your information to me?"

"It was necessary to see you personally, Mr. Denzil. I arrived back a
few days ago, and intended writing to you when I recovered from the
fatigue of the journey. However, your arrival saves me the trouble. Now
I can tell you all about Ferruci, if you like."

"Then tell me, Doctor, if you spoke truly about that alibi?"

"Yes, I did. Count Ferruci was with me