rivate
matters or public matters; if the latter, whether the United States is
concerned."

"We can assume the first," said she. "I know for a fact that you took
the articles in question from the cab, which you found deserted before a
vacant lot."

"How do you know it?" Harleston asked.

"Because, as I told you over the telephone, you were seen--in fact, I
saw you. I saw you light a match inside the cab, come out with the
envelope, look it over quickly, and put it in your pocket. You'll admit
these facts?"

"I am advised by my counsel that I'm not obliged to answer!" he laughed.

"On the ground that it will incriminate you?" she asked quickly. "Isn't
that tantamount to admitting the fact?"

"That is a matter of argument, it seems to me."

She smiled good naturedly and went on:

"As to your second contingency, Mr. Harleston; the envelope and its
contents were left with me for delivery to another party--which I
believe gives me the right of possession, as you term it. At any rate,
it gives me a better title than yours."

"If the party who left them with you had a good title," he amended. "If,
however, he obtained them from--a deserted cab, say--then his title
would be no better than you've put in me; not so good, in fact, for
according to your tale I have the envelope."

She shrugged again.

"Now as to your third contingency," she went on, "I am not able to say
what is the nature of the document, nor whom nor what nation it
concerns."

"You mean that you're ignorant of its contents and its nature?" he
asked.

She met his glance frankly. "I mean that I haven't any idea of its
contents or its purpose."

He slowly tapped his cigarette against the swinging brass ash-receiver.

"Wouldn't it be well, my dear Madame X, to lay your cards on the
table--all your cards?"

"I'm perfectly willing, if you'll do likewise," she replied instantly.

He looked at her thoughtfully.

"Very well," he returned. "Let me see your hand and you shall see mine."

"This one?" she smiled, holding it up.

He leaned over and took the long, slim fingers in the tips of his
own--and she let him.

"It's mighty pretty," he said, with assumed gravity. "Am I to have it
in place of the facts--or along with them?"

"Neither at present," withdrawing her hand. "Business first, Mr.
Harleston--and cards on the table."

"You're to play," he smiled, "and whenever you will."

Ordinarily he made up his mind very quickly as to another's si