n the
smoking-room at the time. His valet accordingly brought him his
mackintosh, and he had put it on and was moving towards the gangway
when Maas made his appearance from the saloon companion.

"Is it possible you are going ashore?" he inquired in a tone of mild
surprise. "If so, and you will have me, I will beg leave to accompany
you. If I stay on board I shall go to sleep, and if I go to sleep I
shall wake up in a bad temper; so that, if you would save your guests
from that annoyance, I should advise you to take me with you."

Though Browne could very well have dispensed with his company, common
politeness prevented him from saying so. Accordingly he expressed his
pleasure at the arrangement, and when they had descended the gangway
they took their places in the boat together. For the first time during
the excursion, and also for the first time in the years they had known
each other, Browne felt inclined to quarrel with Maas; and yet there
was nothing in the other's behaviour towards him to which he could take
exception.

Maas could see that Browne was not himself, and he accordingly set
himself to remedy the trouble as far as lay in his power. So well did
he succeed that by the time the boat reached the tiny landing-stage his
host was almost himself again.

"Now you must do just as you please," said Maas when they had landed.
"Do not consider me in the matter at all, I beg of you; I can amuse
myself very well. Personally I feel inclined for a walk up the
mountain road."

"Do so, then, by all means," said his host, who was by no means sorry
to hear him arrive at this decision. "If I were you, however, I should
stick to the road; these mists are not things to be taken lightly."

"I agree with you," said Maas. Then, bidding the other good-bye, he
set off on his excursion.

Browne, who was conscientiousness itself, walked along the hillside to
the residence of the functionary whom he had professedly come ashore to
see, and when he had consulted him upon the point at issue, made his
way in the direction of the hotel. Accosting the manager in the hall,
he inquired whether it would be possible to obtain an interview with
Madame Bernstein.

"Most certainly, sir," the man replied. "If you will follow me I will
conduct you to her."

So saying, he led the way down the long wooden passage towards a room
at the further end. Into this Browne was ushered, while the man
departed in search of the lady. What