termined that John
Dene should be found.

When Mr. Llewellyn John opened the first morning paper he picked up
from the pile awaiting him he gasped. Himself a great believer in the
possibilities of the press, he felt, nevertheless, that Department Z.
was overdoing things, and he telephoned for its chief and Malcolm Sage
to call upon him at ten o'clock.

At two minutes to ten, the two presented themselves at No. 110, Downing
Street, and were immediately shown into the presence of the Prime
Minister.

"Has it struck you," asked Mr. Llewellyn John, indicating one of the
advertisements, "that questions will be asked in the House as to
whether or no the Government is offering these large rewards?"

"I should think it highly probable, sir," was Sage's response.

"And what are we to say?" demanded Mr. Llewellyn John. He was a keen
politician, and saw that the situation might be fraught with
considerable difficulties.

"Acknowledge that they are, sir," was the response.

"Acknowledge it!" cried Mr. Llewellyn John.

"Certainly, sir."

"Mr. Sage," said Mr. Llewellyn John severely, "you do not appear to
appreciate that this may seriously compromise the Government." Then
turning to Colonel Walton he continued: "Hitherto you have been given a
free hand, now I must ask you to explain why you are offering these
large rewards. You first of all suggested L1,000, rising daily from
L1,000 to L10,000. In two days it has amounted to L20,000."

"It won't rise any higher, sir. It has reached the limit."

"That is not the point," said Mr. Llewellyn John. "I want to know why
it is that you are advertising to Germany that we want John Dene. It
is an obvious confession of weakness." He made a quick nervous
movement with his right hand, he was far from easy in his mind.

Malcolm Sage continued to examine his finger-nails with great
intentness.

Seeing that he made no indication of replying, Mr. Llewellyn John
continued:

"I'm afraid that this cannot go on." There was a suggestion of
irritability in his voice.

"Then have it stopped, sir," said Sage calmly, still intent upon the
finger-nails of his right hand.

"The mischief is done," said Mr. Llewellyn John. "What is at the back
of your mind, Sage?" he demanded.

"I'm working on a hypothesis, sir," was the reply. "I think I'm right,
in fact I'm convinced of it; but until I know for certain, I must keep
my theories to myself. If you wish it, I'll tell you what I a