d Smith to Donovan's room. The man must have known all about
the Megalian admiral's threat. He probably understood, better than any
one else on the island, the meaning and purpose of the ultimatum
presented to Donovan. But he showed no signs of embarrassment or
excitement. When Gorman summoned him--he was brushing a pair of Konrad
Karl's trousers at the moment--he apologized for having put Gorman to
the trouble of looking for him. When he entered the room where Donovan
waited he stood quietly near the door in his usual attitude of
respectful attention.

Donovan greeted him as if he had been a friend and not a servant.

"Take a chair, Smith, and sit down. I want to talk to you."

Smith refused to accept this new position.

"Beg pardon, sir," he said, "but if it's all the same to you, I'd
rather stand. Seems more natural, sir."

Gorman, who had followed Smith into the room, hovered uncertainly near
the door. He very much wanted to hear what Donovan had to say; but he
was not quite sure whether he was meant to be present.

"Any objection to my staying?" he asked. "I'm interested in
international peace movements and Hague Conferences. I'd like to hear
how you mean to work this affair."

"Sit down," said Donovan, "but don't get interrupting. Now that I've
taken hold I mean to handle this damned business my own way."

Gorman sat down and lit his pipe. Donovan turned to Smith.

"You're a valuable man, Smith," he said, "and I'd like to retain your
services."

"Thank you, sir," said Smith. "I've done my best to give
satisfaction."

"But if you're to stay on with me," said Donovan, "we've got to have
some straight talk. I'd like it to be clearly understood that your
engagement with me is to be a whole-time job for the future."

"More satisfactory, sir, certainly."

"At present," said Donovan, "you're also engaged by Mr. Steinwitz."

"Not by Mr. Steinwitz, sir, if you'll excuse my correcting you. By the
Emperor."

Gorman groaned deeply. Smith turned to him, solicitous, anxious to be
of use.

"Beg pardon, sir, can I do anything for you, sir? Anything wrong,
sir?"

"No," said Gorman, "no. The mention of the Emperor upsets me a little.
That's all. Don't do it again, if you can help it, Smith. I'm sorry,
Donovan. I didn't mean to interrupt."

Smith turned to Donovan again.

"Perhaps I should say, sir, the Imperial Secret Service."

"Salary?" said Donovan.

He showed no surprise, anger or disgust. Smith was