ersonal correspondence.
We've retained the correspondence and let the man go."

"That, I suppose," Mrs. Spencer remarked as Harleston hung up the
receiver, "was to say that Mr. Snodgrass and the cab have been
thoroughly searched and nothing suspicious found."

"Your intuition is marvellous," Harleston answered. "Major Ranleigh's
report was that exactly. Consequently, Madeline, the letter must be with
you."

"How about the consideration that Captain Snodgrass received from me in
return for the formulaic letter?" she asked. "He doesn't seem to have
had it."

"Maybe you managed both to get the letter from him and to keep the
consideration. It would not be the first time I have known you to
accomplish it."

"Only once--against you, Guy!" she laughed.

Which was a lie; but scored for her--and, for the moment, silenced him.

She shot a glance at the Secretary. He was beating a tattoo on the pad
before him and looking calmly at her--as impersonal as though she were a
door-jamb; and she understood; however much he might be inclined to aid
her, this was not the time for him even to appear interested. On another
occasion, _a deux_, he would display sufficient ardour and admiration.
At present it must be the impassive face and the judicial manner. The
business of the great Government he had the honour to represent was at
issue!

There being no help from that high and mighty quarter, she turned to
Harleston.

"Well," with a shrug of resignation, "I've lost and must pay. Here,"
opening the mesh-bag that she carried, "is the--"

She threw up her hand, and a nasty little automatic was covering the
Secretary's heart.

He gave a shout--and sat perfectly still. Mrs. Clephane, with an
exclamation of fear, laid her hand on Harleston's arm. Carpenter was
impassive. Harleston suppressed a smile.

"Tell them if I can shoot straight, Guy," Mrs. Spencer said pleasantly;
"and meanwhile do you all keep your exact distance and position. Speak
your piece, Mr. Harleston--tell his Excellency if I can shoot."

"I am quite ready to assume it without the testimony of Mr. Harleston,
or ocular demonstration in this immediate direction," the Secretary
remarked with a weak grin.

"Tell him, if I can shoot, Guy," she ordered.

"I've never seen her better," Harleston admitted "though I'm not at all
fearful for your Excellency. Mrs. Spencer won't shoot; she's only
bluffing. If you'll say the word, I'll engage to disarm her."

"Meanwhile w