It was evident, from the rambling tenor of this speech, he was speaking
rather to conceal his thoughts and give himself time for reflection, than
to enunciate any definite opinion; and so Atlee, with native acuteness,
read him, as he simply bowed a cold assent.

'Why should I give him back his letters?' burst out the Greek warmly.
'What does he offer me in exchange for them? Money! mere money! By what
presumption does he assume that I must be in such want of money, that the
only question should be the sum? May not the time come when I shall be
questioned in our chamber as to certain matters of policy, and my only
vindication be the documents of this same English ambassador, written
in his own hand, and signed with his name? Will you tell me that the
triumphant assertion of a man's honour is not more to him than bank-notes?'

Though the heroic spirit of this speech went but a short way to deceive
Atlee, who only read it as a plea for a higher price, it was his policy to
seem to believe every word of it, and he looked a perfect picture of quiet
conviction.

'You little suspect what these letters are?' said the Greek.

I believe I know: I rather think I have a catalogue of them and their
contents,' mildly hinted the other.

'Ah! indeed, and are you prepared to vouch for the accuracy and
completeness of your list?'

'You must be aware it is only my lord himself can answer that question.'

'Is there--in your enumeration--is there the letter about Crete? and the
false news that deceived the Baron de Baude? Is there the note of my
instructions to the Khedive? Is there--I'm sure there is not--any mention
of the negotiation with Stephanotis Bey?'

'I have seen Stephanotis myself; I have just come from him,' said Atlee,
grasping at the escape the name offered.

'Ah, you know the old Paiikao?'

'Intimately; we are, I hope, close friends; he was at Kulbash Pasha's while
I was there, and we had much talk together.'

'And from him it was you learned that Spiridionides was Spiridion
Kostalergi?' said the Greek slowly.

'Surely this is not meant as a question, or, at least, a question to be
answered?' said Atlee, smiling.

'No, no, of course not,' replied the other politely. 'We are chatting
together, if not like old friends, like men who have every element to
become dear friends. We see life pretty much from the same point of view,
Mr. Atlee, is it not so?'

'It would be a great flattery to me to think it.' And Joe