aid Colonel Walton, turning to Mr. Llewellyn John, "that
it's impossible for Department Z. to work along any but its own lines.
If Sage and I do not possess the confidence of the War Cabinet, may I
suggest that we be relieved of our duties."

"Good heavens, Walton!" cried Mr. Llewellyn John. "Surely you're not
going to start resigning."

"In the light of Sir Roger's remark, it's the only course open for me,"
was the dignified retort, as Colonel Walton rose.

"No, no," murmured Mr. Llewellyn John, looking across at the Home
Secretary. "You must remember, Walton, that Sir Roger has had a very
trying time owing to--to these--advertisements, and--and----"

He paused and again he looked expectantly at Sir Roger, who seemed
engrossed in fingering the lower button of his waistcoat.

"Neither Sage nor I have any desire to embarrass you or the Home
Secretary," continued Colonel Walton, "but----"

"I'm sure of it, Walton, I'm sure of it, and so is Sir Roger." Again
Mr. Llewellyn John looked across at his colleague who, seeming to lose
interest in his lower waistcoat button, suddenly looked up.

"The question is, how long is this to continue?" he asked.

For some moments Colonel Walton did not reply. He appeared to be
weighing something in his mind.

"We're up against the cleverest organisation in the world," he said at
length, "and Sage believes that a single man controls the lot."

"Nonsense!" broke in Sir Roger. "This spy craze is pure imagination."

"In any case it causes the War Cabinet a great amount of concern," said
Mr. Llewellyn John drily.

"I think," proceeded Colonel Walton, "that before the expiration of the
four months stipulated for by John Dene, Department Z. will have
justified itself."

"How?" demanded Sir Roger.

"I can say nothing more," said Colonel Walton, moving towards the door,
"at present."

"Well, carry on, Walton," said Mr. Llewellyn John and, with a wave of
his hand, "and good luck."

"Those two men have megalomania in its worst possible form," growled
Sir Roger, as he too rose to take his departure.

"Well, if they don't make good on this," said Mr. Llewellyn John, "you
can decide whether or not their resignations be accepted."

With a nod Sir Roger left the room, conscious that he had to explain to
the permanent officials at the Home Office why Department Z. was still
in being.

II

During the weeks that followed the disappearance of John Dene, a
careful observer of A