is a copy of the cablegram I sent the President," he said, "and
to which, with his permission, I signed General Renauld's name. It is
as follows:--

The President. The Palace, Messina.--They will not believe you are
fully informed. Cable at once the exact hour when they will leave
Tangier, at what hour they expect to land, at what place they expect to
land, what sum you have promised to pay for this information, and the
names of those to whom it is to be paid.

RENAULD.

Gordon lowered the paper. "Is that quite clear?" he asked. "Do you
follow me? I have invited the enemy himself to inform you of your
plans, and to tell you who has betrayed them. His answer, which was
received a half hour ago, removes all suspicion from any save those he
names. General Renauld and myself cease to be of the least consequence
in the matter; we are only messengers. It is the President of Messina
who will speak to you now. If you still doubt that the secret of your
expedition is known to the President you will have to doubt him."

The King sprang quickly to his feet and struck the arm of his chair
sharply with his open hand.

"I shall not permit that message to be read," he said. "If we have a
traitor here, he is a traitor against me. And I shall deal with him as
I see fit, in private."

There was a murmur of disappointment and of disapproval even, and the
King again struck the arm of his chair for silence. Kalonay advanced
toward him, shaking his head and holding out his hands in protest.

"Your Majesty, I beseech you," he began. "This concerns us all," he
cried. "It is too evident that we have been betrayed; but it is not
fair to any of us that we should all lie under suspicion, as we must
unless it is told who has been guilty of this infamy. I beg your
Majesty to reconsider. There is no one in this room who is not in our
secret, and whoever has betrayed us must be with us here and now. I,
who have an interest second only to your own, ask that that cablegram
be read."

There was a murmur of approbation from the conspirators, and
exclamations of approval and entreaty. Miss Carson, in her excitement,
had risen to her feet and was standing holding her mother's hand. The
King glanced uncertainly at Kalonay, and then turned to Barrat and
Erhaupt as if in doubt.

Gordon's eyes were fixed for a moment on Kalonay with a strange and
puzzled expression. Then he gave a short sigh of relief, and turning
quickly sea