ded to count it.

"Is it all here?" he demanded suspiciously.

The valet scowled.

"Do you think I'm holding any back on you? _Ma foi, non_!"

Keralio, still counting, fixed his assistant with steely, piercing eyes.

"No, Francois, I think you know me too well for that. You know I never
forget a service; you also know I never forgive anyone who crosses my
will."

The valet shrugged his shoulders. In an injured tone he asked:

"What's all ze talk about? I work well for you. I do your dirty work,
_n'est ce pas_? I never complain--I am faithful. What more would you
have?"

"Why should you complain? You get your share," rejoined his chief
sternly.

The valet was silent and Keralio went on:

"A few days more and we'll be rid of all the new stuff. Then we'll
take down the presses and carry away the parts, piece by piece. When
we're ready to leave this hole, there won't be a shred of evidence
left. Have you heard any news from our man in Washington? What are
the secret service men doing?"

"Ze alarm is given. Zey have spotted several of ze bills. Half a
dozen of ze cleverest sleuths in ze country have been put on our trail.
Zey will not succeed. Ze scent is cold. We've got zem completely
doped."

Keralio looked anxious.

"Is there any danger of them having shadowed you and followed you here?"

"No--_mon cher, pas le mains du monde_. It took me three hours to come
here from ze Pennsylvania station--such a crazy in and out route I gave
ze chauffeur. If they succeed in following such a labyrinth as that,
they deserve to get us."

Keralio smiled and pointed to a bottle of brandy on the table.
Approvingly, he said:

"Good boy! There, take a drink and a cigar----"

After the valet had refreshed himself, he again confronted his chief.

"What else _a votre service_?"

Keralio pointed carelessly to a seat. In a commanding tone, he said:

"Yes--I have more work for you. Sit down. I will tell you."

The valet took a chair and waited. Keralio looked at him meditatively
for a moment. Then suddenly he asked:

"When did you leave the house?"

"This afternoon at three o'clock."

"When did Mrs. Traynor return from Philadelphia?"

"Yesterday--furious at the hoax played upon her? Miss Dorothy is
perfectly well----"

Keralio smiled.

"Of course. I sent that telegram."

The valet grinned. Admiringly, he exclaimed:

"You are admirable! _Quel homme, mon dieu, quel homme_!"

Paying