n politician," Wandel answered, "if I spent any of my
own money on my own campaigns. So we have an understanding if the
occasion should arise----"

With a movement exceptionally quick for him, suggesting, indeed, an
uncontrollable nervous reaction, Wandel sprang to his feet and went to
the window where he leant out. George followed him, staring over the
park's far-spread velvet, studded with the small but abundant yellow
jewels of the lamps.

"What is it, little man? It's insufferable in town. Why don't you go
play by the sea or in the hills?"

"Because," Wandel answered, softly, "I can't help the feeling that any
occasion may arise. I don't mean our little politics, George. Time
enough for them. I don't want to go. I am waiting."

George understood.

"You mean the murders at Sarajevo," he said. "You're over-sensitive. Run
along and play. Nothing will come of that."

"Tell me," Wandel said, turning slowly, "that you mean what you say.
Tell me you haven't figured on it already."

George shrugged his shoulders.

"You're discreet. All right. I have figured, because, if anything should
come of it, it offers the chance of a lifetime for making money. Mundy's
put me in touch with some useful people in London and Paris. I want to
be ready if things should break. I hope they won't. Honestly, I very
much doubt if they will. Even Germany will think twice before forcing a
general war."

"But you're making ready," Wandel whispered, "on the off-chance."

George pressed a switch and got more light. It was as if a heavy shadow
had filled the delightful room.

"We're growing fanciful," he said, "seeing things in the dark. By the
way, you run into Dalrymple occasionally? I'm told he comes often to
town."

Wandel left the window, nodding.

"How long can he keep it up?" George asked.

"I'm not a physician."

"No, no. I mean financially. I gather his family live up to what they
have."

"I daresay it would pain them to settle Dolly's debts frequently,"
Wandel smiled.

"Then," George said, slowly, "he is fairly sure to come to you--that is,
if this keeps up."

"Why," Wandel asked, "should I encourage Dolly to be charitable to rich
wine agents and under-dressed females?"

George shook his head.

"If he asks you for help don't send him to the money lenders. Send him
discreetly to me. If I didn't have what he'd want, I daresay I could get
it."

Wandel stared, lighting another cigarette.

"I'd like to keep him fro