. You have business in America, _carino_. That paper we
filched from old Stroebel strengthens our hold on Francis; but there is
still that question as to Karl and Frederick Augustus. Our dear Francis
is not satisfied. He wishes to be quite sure that his dear father and
brother are dead. We must reassure him, dearest Jules."

"Don't be a fool, Durand. You never seem to understand that the United
States of America is a trifle larger than a barnyard. And I don't believe
those fellows are over there. They're probably lying in wait here
somewhere, ready to take advantage of any opportunity,---that is, if they
are alive. A man can hardly fail to be impressed with the fact that so
few lives stand between him and--"

"The heights--the heights!" And the young man, whom Chauvenet called
Durand, lifted his tiny glass airily.

"Yes; the heights," repeated Chauvenet a little dreamily.

"But that declaration--that document! You have never honored me with a
glimpse; but you have it put safely away, I dare say."

"There is no place--but one--that I dare risk. It is always within easy
reach, my dear friend."

"You will do well to destroy that document. It is better out of the way."

"Your deficiencies in the matter of wisdom are unfortunate. That paper
constitutes our chief asset, my dear associate. So long as we have it we
are able to keep dear Francis in order. Therefore we shall hold fast to
it, remembering that we risked much in removing it from the lamented
Stroebel's archives."

"Do you say 'risked much'? My valued neck, that is all!" said the other.
"You and Winkelried are without gratitude."

"You will do well," said Chauvenet, "to keep an eye open in Vienna for
the unknown. If you hear murmurs in Hungary one of these fine days--!
Nothing has happened for some time; therefore much may happen."

He glanced at his watch.

"I have work in Paris before sailing for New York. Shall we discuss the
matter of those Peruvian claims? That is business. These other affairs
are more in the nature of delightful diversions, my dear comrade."

They drew nearer the table and Durand produced a box of papers over which
he bent with serious attention. Armitage had heard practically all of
their dialogue, and, what was of equal interest, had been able to study
the faces and learn the tones of voice of the two conspirators. He was
cramped from his position on the narrow balcony and wet and chilled by
the rain, which was now slowly abating