ts of
Europe. But I need not expatiate. You understand the position."

"I don't remember any case of an American heiress marrying a king,"
said Gorman.

"Just so. This would be unique, splendid. And I need not say, Mr.
Gorman, that if you see your way to oblige us in this matter your
services will not go unrecognized. If there is any particular way in
which you would like us to show our appreciation you have only to
mention it. The next Honours List----"

"All right," said Gorman, "I'll go. Where is Salissa?"

"In the Cyrenian Sea. It's an island. Quite charming, I believe. I am
sure you will enjoy the trip. Your best plan will be to see Steinwitz
about the matter. Steinwitz is managing director----"

"Quite so. I know him. Cyrenian Sea Steam Navigation Company."

"His ships go there," said Sir Bartholomew. "I have no doubt that he
will arrange for you to make the voyage comfortably. I may mention,
between ourselves, that Steinwitz is interested in the success of the
negotiations."

"Acting for the Emperor?"

"Well, yes. Unofficially. He is in a certain sense the agent of the
Emperor."

"All right," said Gorman. "I'll see him. And if I pull the thing off I
may count on----?"

"You may ask for what you like," said Sir Bartholomew. "You've only
got to drop me a hint. Anything in reason. A knighthood? Or a
baronetcy? I think we could manage a baronetcy. A post in the
Government? A Civil List pension? Your services to literature fully
entitle you----"

"On the whole," said Gorman, "I think I'll ask for Home Rule for
Ireland."

"Ah," said Sir Bartholomew, "you Irish! Always witty! Always
sparkling, paradoxical, brilliant! I shall tell the Prime Minister
what you say. He'll enjoy it. What should we do without you Irish?
Life would be dull indeed. What is it the poet says? Wordsworth, I
think. 'Turning to mirth, All things of earth, As only boyhood can.'
You are all boys. That is why we love you. Your freshness. Your
delightful capacity for the absurd. I feel that in choosing you for
this delicate mission we have chosen the right man. Only an Irishman
could hope to succeed in an affair of this kind. Good-bye, Mr. Gorman,
and be sure to let me know in good time what we are to do for you.
I'll charge myself with seeing that your claim is not overlooked."

CHAPTER XIV

"I'm going, of course," said Gorman. "The whole thing is interesting,
quite exciting."

He had just given me a detailed account of hi