ne had in his own
mind. But the woman was Katherine's friend; and, however imprudent she
might be, that circumstance alone was sufficient, in a certain sense,
to make him loyal to her. Herr Sauber probably read what was passing
in his mind, for he threw a glance up at him in his queer sparrow-like
way, and, when he had eyed him steadfastly for a few seconds, continued
what he had to say with even greater emphasis than before.

"I do not want you to mistake my meaning," he said. "At the same time,
I have no desire to see the mission you have taken in hand turn out a
failure. I have been acquainted with Madame Bernstein for more years
than either she or I would probably care to remember, and it is far
from my intention or desire to prejudice your mind against her. At the
same time, I have known Katherine's family for a much longer period,
and I must study them and their interests before all."

"But what is it of which you desire to warn me?" Browne inquired. "It
seems to me that Madame Bernstein is as anxious to assist Katherine's
father to escape as any of us."

"I sincerely believe she is," the old man replied. "In spite of the
life she has led these twenty years, she still remains a woman, and
impetuous. You must see for yourself that, in a matter like the
present, you cannot be too careful. Let one little hint reach the
Russian Government, and farewell to any chance you may stand of
effecting the man's escape."

"But what am I to do to prevent her from giving them a hint?" asked
Browne. "She knows as much as I do, and I cannot gag her!"

"But you need not tell her of all your plans," he answered. "Tell
Katherine what you please; she has the rare gift of being able to hold
her tongue, and wild horses would not drag the secret from her."

"Then, to sum up what you say, I am to take care that, while Katherine
and I know everything, Madame Bernstein shall know nothing?"

"I do not say anything of the kind," said Herr Sauber. "I simply tell
you what I think, and I leave it to your good sense to act as you think
best. You English have a proverb to the effect that the least said is
the soonest mended. When the object of your expedition is
accomplished, and you are back in safety once more, you will, I hope,
be able to come to me and say, 'Herr Sauber, there was no necessity to
act upon the advice you gave me'; then I shall be perfectly satisfied."

"I must confess that you have made me a little uneasy,"