Perhaps it has no organisation.
But, Professor Kennedy, to me it is no myth. What if the real
Black Hand is any gang of criminals who choose to use that
convenient name to extort money? Is it the less real? My daughter
is gone!"
"Exactly," agreed Kennedy. "It is not a theory that confronts
you. It is a hard, cold fact. I understand that perfectly. What
is the address of this Albano's?"
Luigi mentioned a number on Mulberry Street, and Kennedy made a
note of it.
"It is a gambling saloon," explained Luigi. "Albano is a
Neapolitan, a Camorrista, one of my countrymen of whom I am
thoroughly ashamed, Professor Kennedy."
"Do you think this Albano had anything to do with the letter?"
Luigi shrugged his shoulders.
Just then a big limousine was heard outside. Luigi picked up a
huge hamper that was placed in a corner of the room and, followed
closely by Signor Gennaro, hurried down to it. As the tenor left
us he grasped our hands in each of his.
"I have an idea in my mind," said Craig simply. "I will try to
think it out in detail to-night. Where can I find you to-morrow?"
"Come to me at the opera-house in the afternoon, or if you want
me sooner at Mr. Cesare's residence. Good night, and a thousand
thanks to you, Professor Kennedy, and to you, also, Mr.
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