nsieur Guillot. He recognised its complete
futility.

"Monsieur Pailleton," the ambassador began, "will you take a seat? It is
very kind of you to obey so quickly my summons."

"I had no idea," the latter remarked, "that my presence in England was
known. I am here on private business."

The ambassador bowed suavely.

"Precisely, my friend! You see, I use the epithet 'my friend' because
at a time like this all Frenchmen must forget their differences and
work together for the good and honour of their country. Is it not so,
monsieur?"

"That is indeed true," Monsieur Pailleton admitted slowly. "We may work
in different ways but we work towards the same end."

"No one has ever doubted your patriotism, Monsieur Pailleton," the
ambassador continued. "It is my privilege now to put it to the
test. There is a little misunderstanding in Brazil, every particular
concerning which, and the views of our Government, is contained in the
little parcel of documents which you see upon this table. Put them in
your pocket, Monsieur Pailleton. I am going to ask you to serve your
country by leaving for Liverpool this afternoon and for Brazil to-morrow
on the steamship Hermes."

Monsieur Pailleton had been a little taken aback by the visit of the
Baron. He sat now like a man temporarily stupefied. He was too amazed to
find any sinister significance in this mission. He could only gasp. The
ambassador's voice, as he continued talking smoothly, seemed to reach
him from a long way off.

"It may be a little contrary to your wishes, my friend," the latter
proceeded, "to find yourself so far from the throb of our great
struggle, yet in these days we serve best who obey. It is the wish of
those who stand for France that you should take that packet and board
that steamer."

Monsieur Pailleton began in some measure to recover himself. He was
still, however, bewildered.

"Monsieur," he protested, "I do not understand. This mission to Brazil
of which you speak--it can have no great importance. Cannot it be
entrusted to some other messenger?"

"Alas! No, my dear sir," was the uncompromising reply. "It is
you--Monsieur Pailleton--whom the President desires to travel to
Brazil."

The light was breaking in upon Pailleton. He clenched his fists.

"I am to be got out of the way!" he exclaimed. "The President fears me
politically, he fears my following!"

The ambassador drew himself a little more upright, a stiff unbending
figure. His words s