its seeming improbability.
Possibly Germany desired the experience of her new Ambassador, Baron
Kurtz, and didn't care to order him to Europe. Possibly, too, they chose
Washington in order to avoid the spying eyes of the secret service of
the other Powers. At all events, I've told you all that I know."

"Why are _you_ here?" he went on.

"I'm here to watch--and to do as I'm directed. I'm on staff duty, so to
speak. I'm not quite in your class, Guy. I've never operated quite
alone." She looked at him thoughtfully. "We two together would make a
great pair--oh, a very great pair!"

"I'm sure of it," he replied. "Sometime, I hope, we can try it."

"Why not try it now?" she said gently.

"I'm in the American secret service--and, you said, America is not
involved."

"Join with Germany--and me--for this once."

He shook his head. "I serve my country for my pleasure. Germany is
another matter. If, sometime, in an affair entirely personal to you,
Madeline, I should be able to assist you, I shall be only too glad for
the chance."

"You don't trust me," she replied sadly.

"Trust is a word unknown in the diplomatic vocabulary!" he smiled.
"Moreover, I couldn't do what you want even if I believed and trusted
your every word. You want the letter--the Clephane letter. I haven't
it--as you know. It's in the possession of the State Department."

"Then let it remain there!" she exclaimed.

"It probably will until it's translated," he replied.

"It's in cipher?"

Harleston nodded. "Do you know what it contains?" he asked.

"Unfortunately, I don't."

"You would like to know?"

"Above everything!"

"And until then you would not have the French Ambassador advised of the
letter, nor of the adventure of the cab?"

"Precisely, old friend, precisely."

"How will you prevent Mrs. Clephane telling it?"

"We must try to provide for that!" she smiled.

"Why didn't you keep her prisoner, when you had her last night?"

"That was a serious blunder; it won't happen again."

"H-u-m," reflected Harleston; and his glance sought Mrs. Spencer's and
held it. "Where is Mrs. Clephane now?" he demanded.

For just an instant her eyes narrowed and grew very dark. Then suddenly
she laughed--lightly, with just a suggestion of mockery in the tones.

"Mrs. Clephane--is yonder!" said she.

Harleston turned quickly. Mrs. Clephane was coming down the corridor.

XI

HALF A LIE

"Somewhat unexpected, isn't it?" Harleston asked