mall and our plight so desperate that it was unseemly
to confine policy or diplomacy within a narrow circle. Surely, we had
all a right to a knowledge of what was forward--at least, all of us who
were in positions of responsibility. As I went back I was consumed with
annoyance that such an important matter as a possible compromise with
the mutineers had been concealed from me. But then, was it a compromise
authorised by the Prince? If I had read that obstinate and that
fanatical proud heart aright, I could not credit it.

When I reached the state-rooms I inquired for Barraclough, and then
remembered that he would be on duty in the saloon. I immediately sought
him there, but found only Grant, who informed me that he had relieved
Sir John at his orders half an hour earlier. He could not give any
information beyond that. It was possible Barraclough had gone to his
cabin, and so I repaired thither; but without success. I made inquiries
of Ellison, who had not seen the first officer, and of the steward, who
was in a like case.

It was Lane who gave me the clue, in a vein which I will set down
without comment.

"He's on a perch, and crowing like a rooster, is the bart. You need not
look for flies on Barraclough, doctor. He's his own chauffeur this
trip. I don't fancy the joy myself, but the bart. is rorty, and what
would you say to Mademoiselle, eh?"

"Oh, let's be plain, Lane!" I said impatiently.

He jerked his thumb across the corridor. "Mademoiselle wants a partner
at dominoes, matador, or bridge, doctor, and the bart. plays a good
game. If you have to choose between your maid and a bart., you bet your
life you'll pocket the bart. Oh, this trip's about enough for me!
Where's it going to end, and where are we?" He made a wry face and sank
in a heap on his chair. "If you've got any influence with Holgate make
him come in. I'm sick of this damn sentry-go. If it suits Germans, it
don't suit a true-born Englishman."

"Is Sir John with Mademoiselle?" I asked simply.

"Guess again and you'll guess wrong," said Lane moodily, kicking his
feet about.

I was not interested in his feelings at the moment. My mind was
occupied with other considerations, but it certainly gave me pause that
what I had myself seen was apparently now common knowledge. That Sir
John had been fascinated by the coquettish Parisian was obvious to me;
if it was obvious to Lane, was it hidden from others who were more
concerned? I had my answer as rega