"Mind，itispartlyforyoursakethatIgivein，"shesaid。"Itwouldbelovelytohaveyoucome，butyouwouldspendfartoomuchmoney。Youreallymeanitall？"
　　"Absolutely，"heanswered。"Iinsistuponit。"
　　Sheleanedtowardshimwithdancingeyes。Afterall，shewasverymuchofachild。Theprospectofanewgown，nowthatshepermittedherselftothinkofit，wasenthralling。
　　"Imightgetacoatandskirt，"sheremarkedthoughtfully，"andasimplewhitedress。Ablackhatwoulddoforbothofthem，then。"
　　"Don'tyoustudyyourbrothertoomuch，"Laverickdeclared。"Hisstockisgoingupallthetime。"
　　"Tellmeyourfavoritecolor，"shebeggedconfidentially。
　　"Ican'tconceiveyourlookingnicerthanyoudoinblack，"hereplied。
　　Shemadeawryface。
　　"Isupposeitmustbeblack，"shemurmureddoubtfully。"Itismuchmoreeconomicalthananything-"
　　Shebrokeofftobowtoastout，red-facedmanwho，afterarudestare，hadgreetedherwithapatronizingnod。Laverickfrowned。
　　"Whoisthatfellow？"heasked。
　　"Mr。Heepman，ourstage-manager，"Zoeanswered，alittletimidly。
　　"Isthereanyparticularreasonwhyheshouldbehavelikeaboor？"
　　Laverickcontinued，raisinghisvoicealittle。
　　Shecaughtathisarminterror。Themanwassittingatthenexttable。
　　"Don't，please！"sheimplored。"Hemighthearyou。Heisjustbehindthere。"
　　Laverickhalfturnedinhischair。Sheguessedwhathewasabouttosay，andwentonrapidly。
　　"Hehasbeensofoolish，"shewhispered。"Hehasaskedmesooftentogooutwithhim。Andhecouldgetmesentaway，ifhewanted，anytime。Healmostthreatenedit，thelasttimeIrefused。Nowthathehasseenmewithyou，hewillbeworsethanever。"
　　Laverick'sfacedarkened，andtherewasapeculiarflashinhiseyes。
　　Themanwascertainlylookingattheminarudemanner。
　　"Therearesomanyofthegirlswhowouldonlybetoopleasedtogowithhim，"Zoecontinued，inaterrifiedundertone。"Ican'tthinkwhyhebothersme。"
　　"Ican，"Laverickmuttered。"Let'sforgetaboutthebrute。"
　　ButthedinnerwasalreadyspoiledforZoe，soLaverickpaidthebillafewminuteslater，andwalkedacrosstothestage-doorofthetheatrewithher。Herlittlehand，whenshegaveittohimatparting，wasquitecold。
　　"I'masnervousasIcanbe，"sheconfessed。"Mr。Heepmanwillbewatchingallthenightforsomethingtofindfaultwithmeabout。"
　　"Don'tyoulethimbullyyou，"Laverickbegged。
　　"Iwon't，"shepromised。"Good-bye！Thankssomuchformydinner。"
　　Sheturnedawaywithabraveattemptatasmile，butitwasonlyanattempt。Laverickwalkedontohisclub。Therewasnooneinthedining-roomwhomheknew，andthecard-roomwasempty。Heplayedonegameofbilliards，butheplayedbadly。Hewasupset。Hisnerveswerewronghetoldhimself，andlittlewonder。Thereseemedtobenochanceofarubberatbridge，sohesalliedoutagainandwalkedaimlesslytowardsCoventGarden。OutsidetheOperaHousehehesitatedandfinallyentered，yieldingtoanimpulsethenatureofwhichhescarcelyrecognized。Whilehewasinquiringaboutastall，asmallprintednoticewasthrustintohishand。Hereaditwithaslightstart。
　　WeregrettoannouncethatowingtoindispositionMademoiselleIdialewillnotbeabletoappearthisevening。ThepartofDelilahwillbetakenbyMademoiselleBlancheTemoigne，lateoftheRoyalOperaHouse，St。Petersburg。
　　Tenminuteslater，LaverickrangthebellofherflatinDoverStreet。
　　Astrangeman-servantansweredhim。
　　"IcametoinquireafterMademoiselleIdiale，"Lavericksaid。
　　Themanheldoutatrayonwhichwasalreadyasmallheapofcards。
　　Laverick，however，retainedhis。
　　"Ishouldbegladifyouwouldtakemineintoher，"hesaid。"I
　　thinkitisjustlikelythatshemayseemeforamoment。"
　　Theservant'sattitudewasoneofcivilbutunconcealedhostility。
　　HewouldhaveclosedthedoorhadnotLaverickalreadypassedoverthethreshold。
　　"Madameisnotwellenoughtoreceivevisitors，sir，"themandeclared。"Sheshallhaveyourcardassoonaspossible。"
　　"Ishouldlikehertohaveitnow，"Laverickpersisted，drawingafive-poundnotefromhispocket。
　　Themanlookedatthenotelongingly。
　　"Itwouldbeonlywasteoftime，sir，"hedeclared。"Mademoiselleisconfinedtoherbedroomandmyordersareabsolute。"
　　"Youarenotthemanwhowashereearlierintheday，"Laverickremarked。"Iwonder，"hecontinued，withasuddeninspiration，"whetheryouarenotMr。Bellamy'sservant？"
　　"Thatisso，sir。Mr。BellamyhassentmeheretoseethatnoonehasaccesstoMademoiselleIdiale。"
　　"Thenthereisnoharmwhateverintakinginmycard，"Laverickdeclaredconvincingly。"Youcanputthatnoteinyourpocket。I
　　amperfectlycertainthatMademoiselleIdialewillseeme，andthatyourmasterwouldwishhertodoso。"
　　"Iwilltaketherisk，sir，"themandecided，"buttheordersIhavereceivedwerestringent。"
　　Hedisappearedandwasgoneforseveralmoments。Whenhecamebackhewasaccompaniedbyapale-facedwomandressedinblack，obviouslyamaid。
　　"MonsieurLaverick，"shesaid，"MademoiselleIdialewillreceiveyou。Ifyouwillcomethisway？"
　　Sheopenedthedoorofthelittlereception-room，andLaverickfollowedher。Themanreturnedtohisplaceinthehall。
　　"Madamewillbehereinamoment，"themaidsaid。"Shewillbegladtoseeyou，butshehasbeenverybadlyfrightened。"
　　Laverickbowedsympathetically。Thewomanherselfwasgray-faced，terror-stricken。
　　"ItisMonsieurLassen，themanagerofMadame，whohascausedagreatdealoftroublehere，"shesaid。"Madamenevertrustedhimandnowwehavediscoveredthatheisaspy。"
　　Thewomanseemedtofadeaway。ThedooroftheinnerroomwasopenedandLouisecameout。Shewasstillexceedinglypale，andthereweredarkrimsunderhereyes。Shecameacrosstheroomwithoutstretchedhands。Therewasnodoubtwhateverastoherpleasure。
　　"YouhaveseenMr。Bellamy？"sheasked。
　　Laverickshookhishead。
　　"No，IhaveseennothingofBellamyto-day。Icametocalluponyouthisafternoon。"
　　Shewrungherhands。
　　"Youunderstand，ofcourse！"sheexclaimed。"IdidnottrustLassen，butIneverimaginedanythinglikethis。HeisanAustrian。
　　OnlyafewhoursagoIlearnedthatheisoneoftheirmostheavilypaidspies。Streussgotholdofhim。Butthere，Iforgot-youdonotunderstandthis。Itisenoughthathelaidaplottogetthatdocumentfromyou。Whereisit，Mr。Laverick？Youhavebroughtitnow？"
　　"Why，no，"Laverickanswered，"Ihavenot。"
　　Hereyeswereroundwithterror。Sheheldoutherhandsasthoughtokeepawaysometormentingthought。
　　"Whereisit？"shecried。"Youhavenotpartedwithit？
　　"Ihavenot，"Laverickrepliedgravely。"ItisinthesafedepositofahoteltowhichIhavemoved。"
　　Sheclosedhereyesanddrewalongbreathofrelief。
　　"Youarenotwell，"Lavericksaid。"Letmehelpyoutoachair。"
　　Shesatdownwearily。
　　"Whyhaveyoumovedtoahotel？"sheasked。
　　"Totellyouthetruth，"Laverickanswered，"IseemtohavewanderedintoasortofmodernArabianNights。Threetimesto-dayattemptshavebeenmadetogetthatdocumentfrommebyforce。I
　　havebeenfollowedwhereeverIwent。Ifeltthatitwasnotsafeinmychambers，soImovedtoahotelanddepositeditintheirstrong-room。IhavecometotheconclusionthatthebestthingI
　　candoistoopenitto-morrowmorning，anddecideformyselfastoitsdestination。"
　　Louisesatquitestillforseveralmoments。Thensheopenedhereyes。
　　"Whatyousayisanimmenserelieftome，Mr。Laverick，"shedeclared。"Iperceivenowthatwehavemadeamistake。Weshouldhavetoldyouthewholetruthfromthefirst。ThisafternoonwhenMr。Bellamyleftme，itwastocometoyouandtellyoueverything。"
　　Lavericklistenedgravely。
　　"Really，"hesaid，"itseemstomethewisestcourse。Ihaven'ttheleastdesiretokeepthedocument。IcannotthinkwhyBellamydidnottreatmewithconfidencefromthefirst-"
　　Hestoppedshort。Suddenlyheunderstood。SomethinginLouise'sfacegavehimthehint。
　　"Ofcourse！"hemurmuredtohimself。
　　"Mr。Laverick，"Louisesaidquietly，"inthismatterIamnoman'sjudge，yet，asyouandIknowwell，thatpapercouldhavecomeintoyourhandsinoneway，andonewayonly。Theremaybesomeexplanation。Ifso，itisforyoutoofferitornot，asyouthinkbest。Mr。BellamyandIarealliesinthismatter。Itisnotourbusinesstointerferewiththecourseofjustice。Youwillrunnoriskinpartingwiththatpaper。
　　"WherecanIseeBellamy？"LaverickInquired，risingandtakinguphishat。
　　"Hewouldgostraighttoyourrooms，"sheanswered。"Didyouleavewordtherewhereyouhadgone？"
　　"PurposelyIdidnot，"Laverickreplied。"Ihadbettertryandfindhim，perhaps。"
　　"Itisnotnecessary，"sheannounced。"NowonderthatyoufeelyourselftohavewanderedintotheArabianNights，Mr。Laverick。
　　Therearetwosetsofspieswhofollowyoueverywhere-twosetsthatIknowof。Theremaybeanother。"
　　"YouthinkthatBellamywillfindme？"heasked。
　　"Iamsureofit。"
　　"ThenI'llgobacktothehotelandwait。"
　　Shehurriedhimaway，butatthedoorshedetainedhimforamoment。
　　"Mr。Laverick，"shesaid，lookingathimearnestly，"somehoworotherIcannothelpbelievingthatyouareanhonestman。
　　Lavericksighed。Heopenedhislipsbutclosedthemagain。
　　"Youareverykind，Mademoiselle，"hedeclaredsimply。
　　Laverick，asheenteredthereceptionhallattheMilanHotel，noticedamanleaningoverthecashier'sdesktalkingconfidentiallytotheclerkincharge。ThelatterrecognizedLaverickwithobviousrelief，andatoncedirectedhisquestioner'sattentiontohim。Kahnturnedswiftlyaroundandwithoutamoment'shesitationcamesmilingtowardsLaverickwiththeapparentintentionofaccostinghim。Hewascorrectlygarbed，tallandfair，witheveryappearanceofbeingamanofbreeding。HeglancedatLaverickcarelesslyashepassed，but，asthoughchanginghisoriginalpurpose，madenoattempttoaddresshim。Thecashier，whohadbeenwatching，gaveventtoalittleexclamationofsurpriseandsprangoverthecounter。HeapproachedLaverickhastily。
　　"Doyouknowthatgentlemanjustgoingout，sir？"heasked。
　　"Ineversawhimbeforeinmylife，"Laverickanswered。"Why？"
　　"Isthisyourhandwriting，sir？"themaninquired，touchingwithhisforefingerthehalfsheetofnote-paperwhichhehadbeencarrying。
　　Laverickreadquickly，-
　　TotheCashierattheMilanHotel，-Delivertobearerdocumentdepositedwithyou。STEPHENLAVERICK。
　　"Itisnot，"hedeclaredpromptly。"Itisanimpudentforgery。
　　GoodGod！Youdon'tmeantosaythatyoupartedwithmypropertyto-"
　　Thecashierstoppedhisbreathlessquestion。
　　"Ihaven'tpartedwithanything，sir，"hesaid。"Iwasjustwonderingwhattodowhenyoucamein。I'dnoreasontobelievethatthesignaturewasaforgery，butIdidn'tlikethelookofit，somehow。We'dbetterbeafterhim。Comealong，sir。"
　　Theyhurriedoutside。Themanwasnowhereinsight。Thecashiersummonedtheheadporter。
　　"Agentlemanhasjustcomeout，"heexclaimed，-"tallandfair，verycarefullydressed，withasingleeyeglass！Whichwaydidhego？"
　　"He'sjustdrivenoffinabigDaimlercar，sir，"theporteranswered。"Inoticedhimparticularly。HespoketothechauffeurinAustrian。"
　　LavericklookedoutintotheStrand。
　　"Can'twestophim？"heaskedrapidly。
　　Theportersmiledasheshookhishead。
　　"Nottheghostofachance，sir。Heshotroundthecornerthereasthoughhewereinadesperatehurry，andwentthewrongsideoftheisland。Iheardthepolicecallingtohim。Ihopethere'snothingwrong，Mr。Dean？"
　　ThecashierhesitatedandglancedatLaverick。
　　"Nothingmuch，"Laverickanswered。"Weshouldhavelikedtohaveaskedhimaquestion-thatisall。"
　　Bellamycameoutfromthehotelandpausedtolightacigarette。
　　"Howareyou，Laverick？"hesaidquietly。"Nothingthematter，I
　　hope？"
　　"Nothingworthmentioning，"Laverickreplied。
　　Thecashierreturnedtohisduties。Thetwomenwerealone。
　　Bellamy，mostcarefullydressed，withhissilver-headedcaneunderhisarm，andhissilkhatatpreciselythecorrectangle，seemedveryfarremovedfromtheworkofintrigueintowhichLaverickfelthimselftohaveblundered。Helookeddownforamomentatthetipsofhispatentshoesandupagainatthesky，asthoughanxiousabouttheweather。
　　"Whataboutadrink，Laverick？"heaskednonchalantly。
　　"Delighted！"Laverickassented。
　　CHAPTERXXXI
　　MISSLENEVEU'SMESSAGE
　　Thetwomensteppedbackintothehotel。Thecashierhadreturnedtohisdesk，andtheincidentwhichhadjusttranspiredseemedtohavepassedunnoticed。Nevertheless，Laverickfeltthatthestudiedindifferenceofhiscompanion'smannerhaditssignificance，andheendeavoredtoimitateit。
　　"Shallwegothroughintothebar？"heasked。"There'sveryseldomanyonethereatthistime。"
　　"Anywhereyousay，Bellamyanswered。"It'syearssincewehadadrinktogether。"
　　Theypassedintotheinnerroomand，findingitempty，drewtwochairsintothefurthercorner。Bellamysummonedthewaiter。
　　"Twowhiskiesandsodasquick，Tim，"heordered。"Now，Laverick，listentome，"headded，asthewaiterturnedaway。"Wearealoneforthemomentbutitwon'tbeforlong。Youknowverywellthatitwasn'ttorenewourschoolboyacquaintancethatI'veaskedyoutocomeinherewithme。"
　　Laverickdrewalittlebreath。
　　"Pleasegoon，"hesaid。"Iamasanxiousasyoucanbetograspthisaffairproperly。"
　　"Whenweleftschool，"Bellamyremarked，"youweredestinedfortheStockExchange。IwentfirsttoMagdalen。Didyoueverhearwhatbecameofmeafterwards？"
　　"Ialwaysunderstood，"Laverickanswered，"thatyouwentintooneoftheGovernmentoffices。"
　　"Quiteright，"Bellamyassented。"Idid。AtthismomentIhavethehonortoserveHisMajesty。"
　　"Twothousandayearandtwohoursworkaday，"Lavericklaughed。
　　"Iknowthesortofthing。"
　　"Youevidentlydon't，"Bellamyanswered。"Ioftenworktwentyhoursaday，Idon'tgethalftwothousandayear，andmostofthetimeIcarrymylifeinmyhands。WhenIamworking-andI
　　amworkingnow-Iamneversureofthemorrow。"
　　Lavericklookedathimincredulously。
　　"You'renotjoking，Bellamy？"heasked。
　　"Notbyanymannerofmeans。IhavethehonortobeahumblememberofHisMajesty'sSecretService。"
　　Laverickglancedathiscompanionwonderingly。
　　"Ireallydidn'tknow，"hesaid，"thatsuchaservicehadanyactualexistenceexceptinnovels。"
　　"Iamaprooftothecontrary，"Bellamydeclaredgrimly。"Abroad，Irunalwaystheriskofbeingdubbedaspyandtreatedlikeone。
　　Athome，IamsimplytheheadoftheA2BranchoftheSecretService。
　　Herecomeourdrinks。"
　　Laverickraisedhiswhiskeyandsodatohislipsmechanically。
　　"Here'sluck！"heexclaimed。"Nowgoon，Bellamy，"hecontinued。
　　"Thewaitercan'toverhear。"
　　Bellamysmiled。
　　"Timisoneofthefewpersonsintheplace，"hesaid，"whomonecantrust。Asamatteroffact，hehasbeenveryusefultomemorethanonce。Nowlistentomeattentively，Laverick。Iamgoingtospeaktoyouasonemantoanother。"
　　Lavericknodded。
　　"Iamready，"hesaid。
　　"LastMonday，"Bellamywenton，leaningforwardandspeakinginasoftbutverydistinctundertone，"amanwasmurderedlateatnightintheheartofthecity-withinonehundredyardsoftheStockExchange。Thepaperscalleditamysteriousmurder。Nooneknowswhothemanwas，orwhocommittedthecrime，orwhy。YouandI，Laverick，bothknowalittlemorethantherestoftheworld。"
　　"Well？"
　　"Themurder，"Bellamycontinued，withastrangelightinhiseyes，"wasaccomplishedonlyastone'sthrowfromyouroffice。"
　　Lavericklitacigaretteandthrewthematchaway。
　　"Horribleaffairitwas，"heremarked。
　　Bellamyglancedtowardthedoor，-amanhadlookedinanddeparted。
　　"Enoughofthisfencing，Laverick，"hesaid。"Atheftwascommittedfromthepersonofthatmurderedman，ofwhichthegeneralpublicknowsnothing。Apocketbookwasstolenfromhimcontainingtwentythousandpoundsandasealeddocument。Astowhomurderedtheman，Iwantyoutounderstandthatthatisnotmyaffair。Astowhathasbecomeofthattwentythousandpounds，Ihavenottheslightestcuriosity。Iwantthedocument。"
　　"Whatclaimhaveyoutoit？"Laverickaskedquickly。
　　"Imightretort，butIwillnot，"Bellamyreplied。"Timeistooshort。Iwillansweryoubyexplainingwhothemanwasandwhatthatdocumentconsistsof。Theman'snamewasVonBehrling，andhewasatrustedagentoftheAustrianSecretService。ThedocumentofwhichhewasrobbedcontainsaverbatimreportoftheconferencewhichrecentlytookplaceatViennabetweentheEmperorofGermany，theEmperorofAustria，andtheCzarofRussia。ItcontainsthedetailsofaplotagainstthiscountryandtheundertakingsenteredintobythoseseveralPowers。Iwantthatdocument，Laverick。HaveIestablishedmyclaim？"
　　"Youhave，"Laverickanswered。"WhyonearthDidn'tyoucometomebefore？Don'tyoubelievethatIshouldhavelistenedtoyouasreadilyastoMademoiselleIdiale？"
　　"IwishthatIhadcome，"Bellamyadmitted，"andyet，hereisthetruth，Laverick，becausethetruthisbest。Twenty-twoyearsliebetweenusandthetimewhenweknewanythingofoneanother。Tome，therefore，youareastranger。IhadmyspiesfollowingVonBehrlingthatnight。Iknowthatyoutookthepocket-bookfromhisdeadbody。Ifyoudidnotmurderhimyourself，thedeedwasdonebyanaccompliceofyours。HowwasItotrustyou？Wearespeakingnakedwords，myfriend。Wearedealingwithnakedtruths。Tomeyouwereamurdererandathief。Awordfrommeandyouwouldhaverealizedthevalueofthatdocument。ItellyoufranklythatAustriawouldgiveyoualmostanysumforitto-day。"
　　Laverick，strongmanthoughhewas，wasconsciousofasuddenweakness。Heraisedhishandtohisforeheadanddrewitaway-wet。
　　Hestruggleddesperatelyforself-control。
　　"Bellamy，"hesaid，"here'struthfortruth。Iamnotonmytrialbeforeyou。Believeme，man，forGod'ssake！"
　　"I'lltry，"Bellamypromised。"Goon。"
　　"ThatnightIstayedatmyofficelatebecauseIsawruinbeforemeonthemorrow。Ileftitmeaningtogostraighthome。Ilitacigarettenearthatentry，andbythelightofamatch，asIwasthrowingitaway，Isawthemurderedman。IthinkforatimeIwasparalyzed。Thepocket-bookwashalfdraggedoutfromhispocket。
　　WhyIlookedinsideitIdon'tknow。IhadsomesortofwildideathatImustfindoutwhohewas。Mindyou，though，Ishouldhavegiventhealarmatonce，buttherewasn'tasoulinthestreet。
　　TherewasamanlurkingintheentryandIchasedhim，unsuccessfully。
　　WhenIcameback，thebodywasstillthereandthestreetempty。I
　　lookedinsidethatpocket-book，whichwouldhavebeeninthepossessionofhismurdererbutformyunexpectedappearance。Isawthenotesthere。OncemoreIwentoutintothestreet。Igavenoalarm，-Iamnotattemptingtoexplainwhy。Iwaslikeamanmadesuddenlymad。Iwentbacktomyofficeandshutmyselfin。"
　　Bellamypointedtotheglassessilently。Thewaitercameforwardandrefilledthem。
　　"Bellamy，"Laverickcontinued，"yourcareerandmineliefarapart，andyet，attheirbackbone，asthereisatthebackboneofeveryman'slife，theremustbesomethingofthesamesortofambition。
　　MygrandfatherlivedanddiedamemberoftheStockExchange，honoredandwellthoughtof。Myfatherfollowedinhisfootsteps。I，too，wasthere。Withoutbecomingwealthy，thenameIbearhasbecomeknownandrespected。Failure，whateveronemaysay，meansabrokenlifeandabrokenhonor。IsatinmyofficeandIknewthattheuseofthosenotesforafewdaysmightsavemefromdisgrace，mightkeepthename，whichmyfatherandgrandfatherhadguardedsojealously，freefromshame。Iwouldhavepaidanypricefortheuseofthem。Iwouldhavepaidwithmylife，ifthathadbeenpossible。
　　ThinkoftheriskIran-thedangerIamnowin。Idepositedthosenotesonthemorrowassecurityatmybank，andImetallmyengagements。Thecrisisisover！ThosenotesareinasafedepositvaultinChanceryLane！IonlywishtoHeaventhatIcouldfindtheowner！"
　　"Andthedocument？"Bellamyasked。"Thedocument？"
　　"Itisinthehotelsafe，"Laverickanswered。
　　Bellamydrewalongsighofrelief。Thenheemptiedhistumblerandlitacigarette。
　　"Laverick，"hedeclared，"Ibelieveyou。"
　　"ThankGod！"Laverickmuttered。
　　"Iamnocrimeinvestigator，"Bellamywentonthoughtfully。"AstowhokilledVonBehrling，orwhy，Icannotnowformtheslightestidea。Thattwentythousandpounds，Laverick，isSecretServicemoney，paidbymetoVonBehrlingonlyhalf-an-hourbeforehewasmurdered，inasmallrestaurantthere，forwhatIsupposedtobethedocument。Hedeceivedmebymakingupafalsepacket。Therealonehekept。Hedeservedtodie，andIamgladheisdead。"
　　Laverick'sfacewassuddenlyhopeful。
　　"Thenyoucantakethesenotes！"heexclaimed。
　　Bellamynodded。
　　"Inafewdays，"hesaid，"Ishalltakeyouwithmetoafriendofmine-aCabinetMinister。Youshalltellhimthestoryexactlyasyou'vetoldittome，andrestorethemoney。"
　　Lavericklaughedlikeachild。
　　"Don'tthinkI'mmad，"heapologized，"butIamnotapersonlikeyou，Bellamy，-usedtoadventuresandthissortofwildhappenings。
　　I'masteady-going，matter-of-factEnglishman，andthisthinghasbeenlikeahatefulnightmaretome。Ican'tbelievethatI'mgoingtogetridofit。"
　　Bellamysmiled。
　　"It'sagreatadventure，"hedeclared，"tocometoanyonelikeyou。
　　Totellyouthetruth，Ican'timaginehowyouhadthepluck-don'tmisunderstandme，Imeanthemoralpluck-torunsucharisk。Why，atthemomentyouusedthosenotes，"Bellamycontinued，"theoddsmusthavebeenabouttwentytooneagainstyournotbeingfoundout。"
　　"Onedoesn'tstoptocounttheodds，"Lavericksaidgrimly。"IsawachanceofsalvationandIwentforit。Andnowaboutthisletter。"
　　Bellamyrosetohisfeet。
　　"OntheKing'sservice！"hewhisperedsoftly。
　　Theywalkedoncemoretothecashier'sdesk。Astrangergreetedthem。
　　Laverickproducedhisreceipt。
　　"IshouldlikethepacketIdepositedherethisevening，"hesaid。
　　"Iamsorrytotroubleyou，butIfindthatIrequireitunexpectedly。"
　　Theclerkglancedatthereceiptandupattheclock。"Iamafraid，sir，"heanswered，"thatwecannotgetatitbeforethemorning。"
　　"Whynot？"Laverickdemanded，frowning。
　　"Mr。Deanhasjustgonehome，"themandeclared，"andheistheonlyonewhoknowsthecombinationonthe'L'safe。Yousee，sir，"hecontinued，"wekeepthisparticularsafefordocuments，andwedidnotexpectthatanythingwouldberequiredfromitto-night。"
　　BellamydrewLaverickaway。
　　"Afterall，"hesaid，"perhapsto-morrowmorningwouldbebetter。
　　There'snoneedtogetshirtywiththesefellows。Asamatteroffact，Idon'tthinkthatIshouldhavedaredtoreceiveitwithoutmakingsomespecialpreparations。IcangetsomeplainclothesmenhereuponwhomIcanrely，atnineo'clock。"
　　Theystrolledbackintothehall。
　　"Tellme，"Laverickasked，"doyouknowwhothemanwaswhoforgedmynametotheorderafewhoursago？"
　　Bellamynodded。
　　"ItwasAdolfKahn，anAustrianspy。Ihavebeenwatchinghimfordays。Ifthey'dgivenhimthepaperIhadfourmenatthedoor，butitwouldhavebeentouchandgo。Heisaveryprinceofconspirators，thatfellow。Totellyouthetruth，IthinkImightaswellgohome。"
　　Bellamywasdrawingonhisgloveswhenthehall-porterbroughtanotetoLaverick。
　　"Amessengerhasjustleftthisforyou，sir，"heexplained。
　　Lavericktoreopentheenvelope。Thecontentsconsistedofafewwordsonly，writtenonplainnote-paperandinahandwritingwhichwasstrangetohim。
　　"Ringup1232Gerrard。"
　　Laverickfrowned，turnedoverthehalfsheetofpaperandlookedoncemoreattheenvelope。Thenhepasseditontohiscompanion。
　　"Whatdoyoumakeofthat，Bellamy？"heasked。
　　Bellamysmiledasheperusedandreturnedit。
　　"Whatcouldanyonemakeofit？"heremarked，laconically。"Doyouknowthehandwriting？"
　　"Neversawitbefore，tomyknowledge，"Laverickanswered。"Whatshouldyoudoaboutit？"
　　"Ithink，"Bellamysuggested，"thatIshouldringupnumber1232
　　Gerrard。"
　　TheycrossedthehallandLaverickenteredoneofthetelephonebooths。
　　"1232Gerrard，"hesaid。
　　Theconnectionwasmadealmostatonce。
　　"Whoareyou？"Laverickasked。
　　"IamspeakingforMissZoeLeneven，"wasthereply。"AreyouMr。
　　Laverick？"
　　"Iam，"Laverickanswered。"IsMissLeneveuthere？Canshespeaktomeherself？"
　　"Sheisnothere，"thevoicecontinued。"Shewasfetchedawayinahurryfromthetheatre-weunderstoodbyherbrother。Shelefttwoandsixpencewiththedoorkeeperheretoringyouupandexplainthatshehadbeensummonedtoherbrother'srooms，25，JermynStreet，andwouldyoukindlygoonthere。"
　　"Whoareyou？"Laverickdemanded。
　　Therewasnoreply。Laverickremainedspeechless，listeningintently。Hestoodstillwiththereceiverpressedtohisear。Wasithisfancy，orwasthatreallyZoe'sprotestingvoicewhichheheardinthebackground？Itwasawomanorachildwhowasspeaking-hewasalmostsurethatitwasZoe。
　　"Whoareyou？"heaskedfiercely。"MissLeneveuistherewithyou。
　　Whydoesshenotspeakforherself？"
　　"MissLeneveuisnothere，"wastheanswer。"Ihavedonewhatshedesired。Youcanpleaseyourselfwhetheryougoornot。Theaddressis25，JermynStreet。Ringoff。"
　　Theconnectionwasgone。Lavericklaiddownthereceiverandsteppedoutofthebooth。
　　"Imustbeoffatonce，"hesaidtoBellamy。"You'llberoundinthemorning？"
　　Bellamysmiled。
　　"Afterall，"heremarked，"Ihavechangedmyplans。Ishallnotleavethehotel。Iamgoingtotelephoneroundtomymantobringmesomeclothes。Bythebye，doyoumindtellingmewhetherthismessagewhichyouhavejustreceivedhadanythingtodowiththelittleaffairinwhichweareinterested？"
　　"Notdirectly，"Laverickanswered，afteramoment'shesitation。
　　"Themessagewasfromayounglady。Ihavetogoandmeether。"
　　"Ayoungladywhomyoucantrust？"Bellamyinquiredquietly。
　　"Implicitly，"Laverickassuredhim。
　　"Shespokeherself？"
　　"No，shesentamessage。Excuseme，Bellamy，won'tyou，butI
　　mustreallygo。"
　　"Byallmeans，"Bellamyanswered。
　　Theystoodattheentrancetothehoteltogetherwhileataxicabwassummoned。Lavericksteppedquicklyin。
　　"25，JermynStreet，"heordered。
　　Bellamywatchedhimdriveoff。Thenhesighed。
　　"Ithink，myfriendLaverick，"hesaidsoftly，"thatyouwillneedsomeonetolookafteryouto-night。"
　　CHAPTERXXXII
　　MORRISONISDESPERATE
　　CertainlyitwasastrangelittlegatheringthatwaitedinMorrison'sroomforthecomingofLaverick。TherewasLassen-flushed，ugly，breathingheavily，andwatchingthedoorwithfixed，beadyeyes。
　　TherewasAdolfKahn，themanwhohadstrolledoutfromtheMilanHotelasLaverickhadenteredit，leavingtheforgedorderbehindhim。TherewasStreuss-stern，anddesperatewithanxiety。TherewasMorrisonhimself，intheclothesofaworkman，worntoashadow，withthefurtivegleamofterrifiedguiltshininginhissunkeneyes，andtheslouchedshouldersandbrokenmienofthehabitualcriminal。TherewasZoe，aroundwhomtheywereallstanding，withangerburninginhercheeksandgleamingoutofherpassion-filledeyes。She，too，liketheothers，watchedthedoor。Sotheywaited。
　　Streuss，notforthefirsttime，movedtothewindowanddrawingasidethecurtainslookeddownintothestreet。
　　"Willhecome-thisEnglishman？"hemuttered。"Hashecourage？"
　　"Morecouragethanyouwhokeepagirlhereagainstherwill！"Zoepanted，lookingathimdefiantly。"Morecouragethanmypoorbrother，whostandstherelikeacoward！"
　　"Shutup，Zoe！"Morrisonexclaimedharshly。"Thereisnothingforyoutobefuriousaboutorfrightened。Noonewantstoill-treatyou。Thesegentlemenallwanttobehavekindlytous。ItisLavericktheywant。"
　　"Andyou，"shecried，"arecontenttostandbyandlethimwalkintoatrap-youletthemevenusemynametobringhimhere！
　　Arthur，beaman！Havenothingmoretodowiththem。Helpmetogetawayfromthisplace。Callout。Dosomethinginsteadofstandingthereandwastingthepreciousminutes。"
　　Hecametowardsher-uglyandthreatening。
　　"I'lldosomethinginaminute，"hedeclaredsavagely，-"somethingyouwon'tlike，either。Keepyourmouthshut，Itellyou。It'smeorhim，and，byHeavens，hedeserveswhathe'llget！"
　　StreussturnedawayfromthewindowandlookedtowardsZoe。
　　"Younglady，"hesaidquietly，"letmebegyounottodistressyourselfso。Isincerelytrustthatnothingunpleasantwillhappen。
　　Ifitdoes，Ipromiseyouthatwewillarrangeforyourtemporaryabsence。Youshallnotbedisturbedinanyway。"
　　"Andasregardsyourbrother，haveacare，younglady，"Lassengrowled。"Ifanyone'sindanger，it'she。He'llbeluckyifhesaveshisownskin。"
　　Theyoungmangloweredather。
　　"Youhearthat，youlittlefool！"hemuttered。Keepstill，can'tyou？"
　　Herfacewasfullofdefiance。Hecamenearertoherandchangedhistone。
　　"Zoe，"hewhisperedhoarsely，"don'tyouunderstand？Iftheycan'tgetwhattheywantfromLaverick，they'llvisitituponme。They'redesperate，Itellyou。Theymeanmischiefallthetime。"
　　"Yetyoulethimbebroughthere，yourpartnerwholookedafteryouwhenyouwereill，andwhohelpedyoutogetaway！"shecriedindignantly。
　　Helaughedunpleasantly。
　　"Whenitcomestoamatteroflifeordeath，it'severymanforhimself。Besides，ifI'dknownasmuchaboutLaverickasIknownow，I'mnotsurethatIshouldhavebeensoreadytogo-notempty-handed，byanymannerofmeans。"
　　"Whathaveyoudonethatyoushouldbesomuchinthepowerofthesepeople？"shedemanded，fixingherdarkeyesuponhimsearchingly。
　　Theterrorwhitenedhisfaceoncemore。Theperspirationstoodoutinbeadsuponhisforehead。
　　"Don'tdaretoaskmequestions！"heexclaimednervously。"IshouldliketoknowwhatLaverickistoyou，eh，thatyoutakesomuchinterestinhim？Listenhere，myfineyounglady。IfI'vebeenmugenoughtodothedirtywork，hehasn'tmadeanybonesabouttakingadvantageofit。He'sanicesortofsportsman，Icantellyou。"
　　Themanatthewindowsuddenlydroppedthecurtainandspokeacrosstheroomtothemall。
　　"Heishere，"heannounced。
　　"Alone？"Lassenaskedthickly。
　　"Alone，"Streussechoed。
　　Alittlethrillseemedtopassthroughtheroom。Zoemadenoattempttocryout。Insteadsheleanedforwardtowardsthedoor，asthoughlistening。Herattitudeseemedharmlessenough。Noonetookanymorenoticeofher。Theyallwatchedtheentrancetotheapartment。
　　Zoerememberedthetwoflightsofstairs。Shewasabsorbedinabreathlesscalculation。Now-nowheshouldbecomingquiteclose。
　　Herwholebeingwasconcentratedupononeeffortoflistening。Atlastsheraisedherhead。Theroomresoundedwithhercries。
　　"Don'tcomein！Don'tcomeinhere！"sheshrieked。"Mr。Laverick，doyouhear？Goaway！Don'tcomeinherealone！"
　　Herbrotherwasthefirsttoreachher，hishandfelluponhermouthbrutally。Herlittleeffortwasnaturallyafailure-defeating，infact，itsownobject。Laverick，hearinghercries，simplyhastenedhiscoming，threwopenthedoorwithoutwaitingtoknock，andsteppedquicklyacrossthethreshold。Hesawamandressedinshabbyworkman'sclothes，unshaven，dishevelled，holdingZoeinaroughgrasp，andwithasinglewell-directedblowhesenthimreelingacrosstheroom。Thensomethingintheman'scry，amomentaryglimpseofhiswhiteface，revealedhisidentity。
　　"Morrison！"hecried。"GoodGod，it'sMorrison！"
　　ArthurMorrisonwascrouchinginacorneroftheroom，hisevilfaceturneduponhisaggressor。Lavericktookquickstockofhissurroundings。Therewasthetall，fairyoungman-AdolfKahn-whomhehadseenattheMilanafewhoursago-themanwhohadunsuccessfullyforgedhisname。TherewasLassen，themanwho，underpretenceofbeinghermanager，hadbeenaspyuponLouise。TherewasStreuss，withblanchedfaceandhardfeatures，standingwithhisbacktothedoor。TherewasZoe，and，behind，herbrother。Sheheldoutherhandstimidlytowardshim，andhereyesweresoftwithpleading。
　　"Ididnotwantyoutocomehere，Mr。Laverick，"shecriedsoftly。
　　"Itriedsohardtostopyou。ItwasnotIwhosentthatmessage。"
　　Hetookhercoldlittlefingersandraisedthemtohislips。
　　"Iknowit，dear，"hemurmured。
　　Thenamovementintheroomwarnedhim，andhewassuddenlyonguard。
　　Lassenwasclosetohisside，someevilpurposeplainlyenoughwritteninhispastyfaceandunwholesomeeyes。Laverickgavehimhisleftshoulderandsenthimstaggeringacrossthefloor。Hewasangryathavingbeenoutwittedandhiseyesgleamedominously。
　　"Well，gentlemen，"heexclaimed，"youseemtohavetakenunusualpainstosecuremypresencehere！Tellmenow，whatcanIdoforyou？"
　　ItwasStreusswhobecamespokesman。HeaddressedLaverickwiththeconsiderationofonegentlemanaddressinganother。Hisvoicehadmanyagreeablequalities。Hisdemeanorwasentirelyamicable。
　　"Mr。Laverick，"heanswered，"letusfirstapologizeifweusedalittlesubterfugetoprocureforusthepleasureofyourvisit。Wearemenwhoareinearnest，andacrosswhosepathyouhaveeitherwilfullyoraccidentallystrayed。Anunderstandingbetweenushasbecomeanecessity。"
　　"Goon，"Laverickinterrupted。"Tellmeexactlywhoyouareandwhatyouwant。"
　　"Astowhoweare，"Streussanswered，"doesthatreallymatter？I
　　repeatthatwearemenwhoareinearnest-letthatbeenough。Astowhatwewant，itisacertaindocumenttowhichwehaveeveryclaim，andwhichhascomeintoyourpossession-Iflatteryousomewhat，Mr。Laverick，ifIsaybychance。"
　　Laverickshruggedhisshoulders。
　　"Letthatgo，"hesaid。"Iknowallaboutthedocumentyoureferto，andthenotes。Theywerecontainedinapocket-bookwhichitisperfectlytruehascomeintomypossession。Proveyourclaimtobothandyoushallhavethem。"
　　Streusssmiled。
　　"Youwilladmitthatourclaim，sinceweknowofitsexistence，"heaskedsuavely，"isequaltoyours？"
　　"Certainly，"Laverickanswered，"butthenIneverhadanyideaofkeepingeitherthedocumentorthemoney。Thatyourclaimisbetterthanmineisnoguaranteethatthereisnotsomeoneelsewhosetitleisbetterstill。"
　　Streussfrowned。
　　"Bereasonable，Mr。Laverick，"hebegged。"Wearemenofpeace-
　　whenpeaceispossible。Themoneyofwhichyouspokeyoucanconsiderastreasuretrove，ifyouwill，butitisourintentiontopossessourselvesofthedocument。ItisforthatreasonthatwearehereinLondon。I，personally，amcommittedtotheextentofmylifeandmyhonortoitsrecovery。"
　　Adeclarationofwar，courteouslyveiledbutdecisive。Lavericklookedaroundhimalittledefiantly，andshruggedhisshoulders。
　　"YouknowverywellthatIdonotcarryitaboutwithme，"hesaid。
　　"Thegentlemanonmyleft，"headded，pointingtoKahn，"cantellyouwhereitiskept。"
　　"Quiteso，"Streussadmitted。"Wearenotdoingyoutheinjusticetosupposethatyouwouldbesofoolhardyastotrustyourselfanywherewiththatdocumentuponyourperson。ItisinthesafeattheMilanHotel。Imayaddthatprobably，ifithadnotoccurredtoyoutochangeyourquarters，itwouldhavebeeninourpossessionbeforenow。Wearehopingtopersuadeyoutoreturntothehotelwithoneofourfriendshere，andprocureit。"
　　"Asithappens，"Laverickremarked，"thatisimpossible。Themanwhosetthecombinationforthatparticularsafehasgoneoffduty，andwillnotbebackagainatthehoteltillto-morrowmorning。"
　　"Butheistobefound，"Streussansweredeasily。"Hispresentwhereaboutsandhisaddressareknowntous。HeliveswithhisfamilyatHarvardCourt，Hampstead。Weshallassistyouinmakingitworthhiswhiletoreturntothehotelortogiveyouthecombinationwordforthesafe。"
　　"Youarerathergreatondetail！"Laverickexclaimed。
　　"Itisourbusiness。Thequestionforyoutodecide，andtodecideimmediately，iswhetheryouarereadytoendthis，insomerespects，constrainedsituation，andgiveyourwordtoplacethatdocumentinourhands。"
　　"Youarereadytoacceptmyword，then？"Laverickasked。
　　"Wehaveacertainholduponyou，"Streusscontinuedslowly。"YourpartnerMr。Morrison'spositioninconnectionwiththemurderinCrookedFriars'Alleyis，asyoumayhavesurmised，asomewhatunfortunateone。YourownIwillnotalludeto。Iwillsimplysuggestthatforbothyoursakespublicity-anymeasureofpublicity，infact，asregardsthislittleaffair-wouldnotbedesirable。"
　　Laverickhesitated。Heunderstoodallthatwasimplied。Morrison'seyeswerefixeduponhim-theeyesofacravencoward。Hefelttheintensityofthemoment。ThenZoeturnedsuddenlytowardshim。
　　"Youarenottogiveitup！"shecried，withtremblinglips。"Theycannothurtyou，anditisnottrue-aboutArthur。"
　　Kahn，whowasnearest，clappedhishandoverhermouthandLaverickknockedhimdown。Instantlythepacificatmosphereoftheroomwaschanged。LassenandMorrisonclosedswiftlyuponLaverickfromdifferentsides。Streusscoveredhimwiththeshiningbarrelofarevolver。
　　"Mr。Laverick，"hesaid，"wearenotheretobetrifledwith。Keepyoursisterquiet，Morrison，or，byGod，you'llswing！"
　　Lavericklookedattherevolver-fascinated，foraninstant，byitsunexpectedappearance。Thefaceofthemanwhoheldithadchanged。Therewaslightningplayingabouttheroom。
　　"It'sthedockforyouboth！"Streussexclaimedfiercely，-"foryou，Laverick，andyou，Morrison，too，ifyouplaywithusanylonger！Oneofyou'samurdererandtheotherreceivesthebooty。
　　Whoareyoutohavescruples-criminals，bothofyou？Yourplaceisinthedock，andyoushallbetherewithintwenty-fourhoursifthereareanymoreevasions。Now，Laverick，willyoufetchthatdocument？Itisyourlastchance。"
　　Uponthebreathlesssilencethatfollowedaquietvoiceintervened-avoicecalmandemotionless，tingedwithameasureofpoliteinquiry。Yetitslevelutterancefelllikeabombamongthelittlecompany。Thecurtainseparatingthisfromtheinnerroomhadbeendrawnafewfeetback，andBellamywasstandingthere，inblackovercoatandwhitemuffler，hissilkhatonthebackofhishead，hislefthand，carefullygloved，restingstilluponthecurtainwhichhehaddrawnaside。
　　"IhopeIamnotdisturbingyouatall？"hemurmuredsoftly。
　　Foramomentthedevelopmentofthesituationremaineduncertain。
　　ThegleamingbarrelofStreuss'srevolverchangeditsdestination。
　　Bellamyglancedatitwiththepleasedcuriosityofachild。
　　"Ireallyoughtnottohaveintruded，"hecontinuedamiably。"I
　　happenedtoheartheaddressmyfriendLaverickgavetothetaxicabdriver，andIwasparticularlyanxioustohaveawordortwowithhimbeforeIleftfortheContinent。"
　　Streusswassurelysomethingofacharlatan！Hisrevolverhaddisappeared。Thesmileuponhislipswasbothgraciousandunembarrassed。
　　"OneisalwaysonlytoopleasedtowelcomeMr。Bellamyanywhere-
　　anyhow，"hedeclared。"Ifapologiesareneededatall，"hecontinued，"itistoourfriendandhost-Mr。Morrisonhere。
　　Permitme-Mr。ArthurMorrison-theHonorableDavidBellamy！
　　TheseareMr。Morrison'srooms。"
　　Morrisoncoulddonomorethanstare。Bellamy，onthecontrary，withalittlebowcamefurtherintotheapartment，removinghishatfromhishead。Lassenglidedroundbehindhim，remainingbetweenBellamyandtheheavycurtains。AdolfKahnmovedasthoughunconsciouslyinfrontofthedooroftheroominwhichtheywere。
　　Bellamysmiledcourteously。
　　"Iamafraid，"hesaid，"thatImustnotstayformorethanamoment。
　　Ihaveacarfulloffriendsbelow-weareonourway，infact，totheCoventGardenBall-andoneortwoofthem，Ifear，"headdedindulgently，"havealreadyreachedthatstageofexhilarationwhichsuchanentertainmentinEnglandseemstodemand。TheywillcertainlycomeandroutmeoutifIamheremuchlonger。There！"heexclaimed，"youhearthat？"
　　Therewasthesoundofamotorhornfromthestreetbelow。Streuss，withanoathtremblinguponhislips，liftedtheblind。Thereweretwomotor-carswaitingthere-largecarswithLimousinebodies，andapparentlyfullofmen。Afterall，itwastobeexpected。
　　Bellamywasnofool！
　　"Sincewearetoloseyou，thenMr。Laverick，"Streussremarkedwithagestureoffarewell，"letussaygoodnight。Thelittlematterofbusinesswhichwewerediscussingcanbeconcludedwithyourpartner。"
　　LaverickturnedtowardZoe。Theireyesmetandhereadtheirmessageofterror。
　　"Youarecomingbacktoyourownrooms，MissLeneveu，"hesaid。
　　"Youmustletmeofferyoumyescort。"
　　Shehalfrose，butinobediencetoagesturefromStreussMorrisonmovedneartothem。
　　"Ifyouleavemehere，Laverick，"hemutteredbeneathhisbreath，-
　　"ifyouleavemetothesehounds，doyouknowwhattheywilldo？
　　Theywillhandmeovertothepolice-theyhaveswornit！"
　　"Whydidyoucomeback？"Laverickaskedquickly。
　　"TheystoppedmeasIwasboardingthesteamer，"Morrisondeclared。
　　"Itellyoutheyhaveeyeseverywhere。Youcannotmovewithouttheirknowledge。Ihadtocome。NowthatIamheretheyhavetoldmeplainlythepriceofmyfreedom。Itisthatdocument。Laverick，itismylife！Youmustgivein-youmust，indeed！Rememberyou'reinit，too。"
　　"AmI？"Laverickaskedquietly。
　　"Youfool，ofcourseyouare！"Morrisonwhisperedhoarsely。"Didn'tyoucomeintotheentryandtakethepocket-book？Heavenknowswhatpossessedyoutodoit！Heavenknowshowyoufoundtheplucktousethemoney！Butyoudidit，andyouareacriminal-acriminalasI
　　am。Don'tbeafool，Laverick。Maketermswiththesepeople。Theywantthedocument-thedocument-nothingbutthedocument！Theywillletuskeepthemoney。"
　　"Andyou？"Laverickasked，turningsuddenlytoZoe。"Whatdoyousayaboutallthis？"
　　Shelookedathimfearlessly。
　　"Itrustyou，"shesaid。"Itrustyoutodowhatisright。
　　CHAPTERXXXIII
　　LAVERICKSARREST
　　"Atlast，David！"
　　Louisewelcomedhervisitoreagerlywithoutstretchedhands，whichBellamyraisedforamomenttohislips。Thensheturnedtowardthethirdperson，whohadalsorisenattheopeningofthedoor-ashort，somewhatthick-setman，withswarthycomplexion，close-croppedblackhair，andupturnedblackmoustache。
　　"YourememberPrinceRosmaran？"shesaidtoBellamy。"HeleftServiaonlythedaybeforeyesterday。HehascometoEnglandonaspecialmissiontotheKing。"
　　Bellamyshookhands。
　　"Ithink，"heremarked，"Ihadthehonorofmeetingyouoncebefore，Prince，attheopeningoftheServianParliamenttwoyearsago。Itwasjustthen，Ibelieve，thatyouwereelectedtoleadthepatrioticparty。"
　　ThePrincebowedsadly。
　　"Myleadership，Ifear，"hedeclared，"hasbroughtlittlegoodtomyunhappycountry。"
　　"Itisaterriblecrisisthroughwhichyournationispassing，"
　　Bellamyremindedhimsympathetically。"Atthesametime，wemustnotdespair。Austriaholdsoutherclenchedhands，butasyetshehasnotdaredtostrike。"
　　ThefaceofthePrincewasdarkwithpassion。
　　"Asyet，no！"heanswered。"Buthowlong-howlong，Iwonder-
　　beforetheblowfalls？WeinServiahavebeenblamedforarmingourselves，butItellyouthatto-daytheAustriantroopsarebeingsecretlyconcentratedonthefrontier。Theirarsenalsareworkingnightandday。HersoldiersaremanoeuveringalmostwithinsightofBelgrade。Wehavehopedagainsthope，yetinourheartsweknowthatourfatewassealedwhentheCzarofRussialeftViennalastweek。"
　　"Nothingiscertain，"Bellamydeclaredrestlessly。"Englandhasbeenill-governedforagreatmanyyears，butwearenotyetanegligiblePower。"
　　Louiseleanedalittletowardshim。
　　"David，"shewhispered，"thecompact！"
　　Heansweredherunspokenquestion。
　　"Itisarranged，"hesaid，-"finished。To-morrowmorningatnineo'clockIreceiveit。"
　　"Youaresure？"shebegged。"Whyneedtherebeanydelay？"
　　"Itislockedupinapowerfulsafe，"heexplained，"andtheclerkwhohasthecombinationwillnotbeondutyagaintillnine。
　　Laverickistheresimplywaitingforthehour。Youwereright，Louise，asusual。Ishouldhavetrustedhimfromthefirst。"
　　ThePrincehadbeenlisteningtotheirconversationwithundisguisedinterest。
　　"Thereisarumor，"hesaid，"thatsomesecretinformationconcerningthecompactofViennahasfounditswaytothiscountry。"
　　Bellamysmiled。
　　"Hence，Ipresume，yourmission，Prince。"
　　"Wethreehavenosecretsfromoneanother，"thePrincedeclared。
　　"Ourinterestsinthismatterareabsolutelyidentical。Whatyousuggest，Mr。Bellamy，isthetruth。ThereisarumorthattheChancellor，inthefirstfewmomentsofhisillness，gavevaluableinformationtosomeonewhoislikelytohavecommunicatedittotheGovernmenthere。Tobeforewarnedistobeforearmed。That，I
　　know，isoneofyourownmottoes。SoIamheretoknowifthereisanythingtobelearned。"
　　Bellamynodded。
　　"Yourarrivalisnotinopportune，Prince。Whendidyoucome？"
　　"IreachedCharingCrossatmidnight，"thePrinceanswered。"Ourtrainwasanhourlate。Iampresentingmycredentialsearlythismorning，andIamhopingforaninterviewduringtheafternoon。"
　　Bellamyconsideredforamoment。
　　"Itistrue！"hesaid。"Betweenusthreethereisindeednoneedforsecrecy。Theinformationyouspeakofwillbeinourhandswithinafewhours。IhavenodoubtwhateverbutthatyourMinisterwillshareinit。"
　　"YouknowofwhatitConsists？"thePrinceinquiredcuriously。
　　"Ithinkso，"Bellamyanswered，glancingattheclock。"Formyownpart，althoughtheinformationitselfisinvaluable，Iseeanotherandaprofoundersourceofinterestinthatdocument。If，indeed，itiswhatwebelieveittobe，itamountstoacasusbelli。"
　　"Youmeanthatyouwouldprovokewar？"PrinceRosmaranasked。
　　Bellamyshruggedhisshoulders。
　　"I，"saidhe，-"Iamnotevenapolitician。But，youknow，thelookers-onseeagooddealofthegame，andinmyopinionthereisonlyonecourseopenforthiscountry，-toworkuponRussiasothatshewithdrawsfromanycompactshemayhaveenteredintowithAustriaandGermany，toacceptGermany'scooperationwithAustriainthedespoilmentofyourcountryasacasusbelli，andtodeclarewaratoncewhileourfleetisinvincibleandourColoniesfreefromdanger。"
　　ThePrincenodded。
　　"Itisgood，"headmitted，"tohearman'stalkoncemore。Whereveronemoves，peoplebowtheheadbeforethemightofGermanyandAustria。Letthemalonebutalittlelonger，andtheywillindeedruleEurope。"
　　Threeo'clockstruck。ThePrincerose。
　　"Igo，"heannounced。
　　"AndI，"Bellamydeclared。"Cometomyroomsatteno'clocktomorrowmorning，Prince，andyoushallhearthenews。