The Barrel Mystery
Page 21
CHAPTER XXI
"THE VERMILION FLOWER ON THE BIG TOE"
Q. Where have you acquired the S? [The by-laws.]
A. Under the Cedar Plains, and passing from the hole of the Beanstalk,I saw three lamps lighted and one in the center that could hardlystand.
Q. Who has formed the plan of S?
A. Fernando Misprizzi.
Q. Is he dead or alive?
A. He lives always, even after the end of the world.
Q. Since when have you acquired the Sgarro?
A. Since the scientific tree was planted in the hole.
Q. With what is the hole covered?
A. With a very fine carpet where the (Camorrists) blackmailers play.
Q. What is enclosed in this hole?
A. The Penny of Crime denied, fought for, and regained.
Q. How do you demonstrate crime?
A. Give me a sheet of paper and you will see.
Q. What does the head of crime wear?
A. A silk handkerchief with five knots and the Penny denied, foughtfor, and regained.
Q. How many weapons are there?
A. Thirteen. Five knives--four pairs and one separate, five packs ofcards, three of which are for the ordinary blackmailing and two forthe blackmailing of the experienced; stiletto, small tapper, andrazor.
Q. Where have you drawn? (blood).
A. From the right thumb of the right hand.
Q. What does an experienced blackmailer bear?
A. A star in front of him (on his forehead) and a vermilion flower onthe big toe of the left foot.
Q. How many kinds of blackmail are there?
A. Three--ordinary blackmail that becomes all blackmailers by turn,bold blackmail which is "that denied, fought for, and regained," andhigh blackmail that belongs to the supreme initiated blackmailers.
Q. What does a highly initiated blackmailer especially bear?
A. A pair of small scissors, a silver needle, pins, cotton andtaffeta.