“Excellency,” burst forth Themar desperately, “I found it this morning on the rug.”

“But,” purred the Baron, “why seek a keyhole?”

Themar’s dark face was ashen.

Philip, with a wholesome distaste for scenes, slipped away.

“Excellency,” burst forth Themar passionately as the door closed, “it is unfair—­”

The Baron raised his hand in a gesture of warning.

“Permit me, Themar,” he said coldly as the sound of Philip’s footsteps died away, “permit me to remind you that my secretary is quite unaware of our peculiar relations.  He is laboring at present under the necessary delusion that your arrival here was entirely the result of my fastidious distaste for the personal services of anyone but a fellow countryman.  Presumably I had cabled home for you.  I prefer,” he added, “that he continue to think so.”

Themar’s eyes flashed resentfully.

“Excellency,” he said sullenly, “it is unfair that I am denied the knowledge of detail that I need.  That is why I sought to read the cipher.”

“And yet, Themar,” said the Baron softly, “I fancy Ronador has told you—­something—­enough!” He shrugged, his impenetrable eyes narrowing slowly.  “But that I need you,” he said evenly, “but that your knowledge of English makes you an invaluable ally—­and one not easily replaced—­I would send you back to Houdania—­disgraced!  As it is, we are hedged about with peculiar difficulties and I must use—­and watch you.”

He glanced significantly at the desk drawer and thence to Themar’s dark, unscrupulous face, resentful and defiant.

“Now as for the cryptogram which tempted you so sorely,” went on the Baron smoothly.  “Its chief mission, as I have repeatedly assured you, was to convert my journey of pleasure in America into one of immediate—­hum—­service.  I have spoken to you of a certain paper—­”

“There was more,” said Themar sullenly.

“Merely,” smiled the Baron with engaging candor, “that you are fully equipped with definite instructions which I am to see are fulfilled.”

“There is a girl,” said Themar bluntly.

The Baron stared.

“What?” he rumbled sharply.

“I—­I learned of her and of the cipher in Houdania!” stammered Themar.

“You know something more of detail than you need to know,” said the Baron dryly.  “Moreover,” he added icily, “you will confine your professional attentions to the other sex.  You are sure about the paper?”

“Yes.”

“Your trip to New York last night was—­hum—­uneventful?”

“Yes.”

“You will go again to-night?”

“It is unnecessary.  Granberry is at the Westfall farm.”

“Ah!”

“But, Excellency,” reminded Themar glibly, “there is still the girl—­” Deep, compelling, Tregar’s eyes burned steadily into menace.

“Must I repeat—­”

“Excellency,” stammered Themar blanching.