ernment or to take the life of one of its
rising young diplomatists. The dispute in which you are unfortunately
involved is between a certain section of the Sultan's subjects and that
potentate himself. But really you must recognize the absolute
helplessness of your position. You have just received a stern reminder.
Let it be the last, for if you give us any more trouble we may end a
difficult situation by effectively cutting your throat. Such an
operation would be distasteful to us and most distressing to you. So
please do not compel us to perform it.'

"I glared at him viciously. Speak I could not, but he paid no further
attention to me, and his make-up was now pronounced to be perfect by his
critical companion.

"'_Vous etes un tres bel Anglais, mon vieux,_' she cried, coquettishly
setting her head on one side and glancing first at him and then at me."

"The cat!" cried Edith. "She evidently thought you good-looking, Jack."

Talbot blushed and laughed at the involuntary slip.

"I am not responsible for her opinions," he said. "I am simply telling
you what happened.

"Dubois left the room," he continued, "and returned in a few moments,
dressed in an English tweed suit, with my overcoat and a deerstalker
cap. Upon my honour, he was so like me that, notwithstanding my rage, I
was compelled to smile at him. He caught my transient mood for an
instant.

"'_Tiens!_!' he cried, 'that is better. The surgical operation is
beginning to take effect. You see the joke?'

"'It is a somewhat bitter species of humour,' I replied. 'Perhaps in the
future it may have a sequel.'

"'Life is made up of sequels,' was the airy answer. 'Events generally
turn out to be so completely opposite to that which I anticipated that I
no longer give them a thought. I live only for the present, and at this
moment I am victorious. But now, Mr. Talbot, I purpose taking a little
trip to the Continent on your account. I hope, therefore, for your sake,
that the Channel will be smooth.'

"With a mock bow of much politeness he took his leave, carrying with him
the case of diamonds. I have never seen him since. Last night in the
Foreign Office I met Captain Gaultier, who told me of the _rencontre_ on
the steamer. I readily forgave him for the mistake he had made with
reference to my appearance, but it was too bad that he should imagine I
would bolt to Paris with a lady of theatrical appearance in broad
daylight."

"Yes," cried Fairholme, "if it ha