's eyes sparkled
as he spoke.

'One has to make his choice somewhat early in the world, whether he will
hunt or be hunted: I believe that is about the case.'

'I suspect so.'

'I did not take long to decide: _I_ took my place with the wolves!' Nothing
could be more quietly uttered than these words; but there was a savage
ferocity in his look as he said them that held Atlee almost spell-bound.
'And you, Mr. Atlee? and you? I need scarcely ask where _your_ choice
fell!' It was so palpable that the words meant a compliment, Atlee had only
to smile a polite acceptance of them.

'These letters,' said the Greek, resuming, and like one who had not
mentally lapsed from the theme--'these letters are all that my lord deems
them. They are the very stuff that, in your country of publicity and free
discussion, would make or mar the very best reputations amongst you. And,'
added he, after a pause, 'there are none of them destroyed, none!'

'He is aware of that.'

'No, he is not aware of it to the extent I speak of, for many of the
documents that he believed he saw burned in his own presence, on his own
hearth, are here, here in the room we sit in! So that I am in the proud
position of being able to vindicate his policy in many cases where his
memory might prove weak or fallacious.'

'Although I know Lord Danesbury's value for these papers does not bear out
your own, I will not suffer myself to discuss the point. I return at once
to what I have come for. Shall I make you an offer in money for them,
Monsieur Kostalergi?'

'What is the amount you propose?'

'I was to negotiate for a thousand pounds first. I was to give two thousand
at the last resort. I will begin at the last resort and pay you two.'

'Why not piastres, Mr. Atlee? I am sure your instructions must have said
piastres.'

Quite unmoved by the sarcasm, Atlee took out his pocket-book and read
from a memorandum: 'Should M. Kostalergi refuse your offer, or think it
insufficient, on no account let the negotiation take any turn of acrimony
or recrimination. He has rendered me great services in past times, and it
will be for himself to determine whether he should do or say what should in
any way bar our future relations together.'

'This is not a menace?' said the Greek, smiling superciliously.

'No. It is simply an instruction,' said the other, after a slight
hesitation.

'The men who make a trade of diplomacy,' said the Greek haughtily, 'reserve
it for their de