also know that you would never run
such a risk for the removal of so insignificant a person. No, my warning
comes to you from a different point of view. It is, if you will pardon
my saying so, none the less personal, but wholly friendly. The case of
Duson will be sifted to the dregs, but unless I am greatly mistaken,
and I do not see room for the possibility of a mistake, I know the truth
already."

"You will share your knowledge?" Mr. Sabin asked quietly.

The detective shook his head.

"You shall know," he said, "before the last moment. But I want to warn
you that when you do now it--it will be a shock to you."

Mr. Sabin stood perfectly still for several moments. This little man
believed what he was saying. He was certainly deceived. Yet none the
less Mr. Sabin was thoughtful.

"You do not feel inclined," he said slowly, "to give me your entire
confidence."

"Not at present, sir," the man answered. "You would certainly intervene,
and my case would be spoilt."

Mr. Sabin glanced at the clock.

"If you care to call on me to-morrow," he said, "I could perhaps show
you something which might change your opinion."

The detective bowed.

"I am always open, sir," he said, "to conviction. I will come about
twelve o'clock."

Mr. Sabin went back to the palm lounge. Lucille and Reginald Brott were
sitting together at a small table, talking earnestly to one another.
The Prince and Lady Carey had joined another party who were all talking
together near the entrance. The latter, directly she saw them coming,
detached herself from them and came to him.

"Your coffee is almost cold," she said, "but the Prince has found some
brandy of wonderful age, somewhere in the last century, I believe."

Mr. Sabin glanced towards Lucille. She appeared engrossed in her
conversation, and had not noticed his approach. Lady Carey shrugged.

"You have only a few minutes," she said, "before that dreadful person
comes and frowns us all out. I have kept you a chair."

Mr. Sabin sat down. Lady Carey interposed herself between him and the
small table at which Lucille was sitting.

"Have they discovered anything?" she asked.

"Nothing!" Mr. Sabin answered.

She played with her fan for a moment. Then she looked him steadily in
the face.

"My friend?"

He glanced towards her.

"Lady Carey!"

"Why are you so obstinate?" she exclaimed in a low, passionate whisper.
"I want to be your friend, and I could be very useful to you. Yet yo