y paused, then added coolly: "He will
understand."

The secretary bowed courteously. "I will deliver your message at
once," he said.

In exactly one minute the Minister himself was bowing to Father Murray.

"I beg your pardon for detaining you, Reverend Sir, but, as my
secretary explained, I am extremely busy. You mentioned Miss Atheson
and, at least so I understand from my secretary, seemed to think I
would know of her. In deference to your cloth, I thought I would see
you personally, though I do not recall knowing anyone by that name.
Perhaps she wishes a _vise_ for a passport?"

"That might explain it," answered Father Murray; "but I think she
desires a passport without the _vise_. I have reason to believe that
Your Excellency knows something of her--rather--unexpected departure
from her home in Sihasset. In fact, my information on that point is
quite clear. I am informed that she was mistaken for another, a
visitor in her home. Possibly she is here now. The passport desired
is your permission for her to return to her friends."

The Minister's face expressed blankness.

"You have been misinformed," he answered. "I know nothing of Miss
Atheson. Would you kindly give me some of the facts? That is, if you
think it necessary to do so. It is possible I might be able to be of
service to you; if so, do not hesitate to command me."

"The facts are very easily stated," said the priest. "First, the young
lady is my niece."

It was the Minister's boast--privately, understand--that he could
always tell when a man believed himself to be telling the truth, and
now--past master in the art of diplomacy though he was--he found it
hard to conceal his shocked surprise at this confirmation of the girl's
story.

"You say she left her home unexpectedly?"

"She was seized by two men and hurried to a waiting auto, Your
Excellency."

"And this happened where?"

"At Sihasset. Your Excellency passed through there quite recently, and
will probably remember it."

The half-closed eyes almost smiled.

"Had your niece lived there long?"

"Only a few months. She arrived less than a week before her visitor."

Outwardly the Minister was calm, unmoved; but underneath the cold
exterior the lurking fear was growing stronger. He must know more--all.

"Before that--?"

"She came direct from England, where she was visiting relatives."

"She was educated there perhaps?"

"She received her education principally in Eu