"It's all so involved," she reflected; "such wheels within wheels, I am completely mystified. I'm lost in the maze. I don't know whom to believe nor whom to trust--except," and suddenly she smiled at him confidently, "that I trust you."

He held her eyes with his own as he leaned forward across the table and answered very quietly:

"I shall try, dear lady, to be worthy."

"And now," she laughed, "may I tell you what happened to me when you were called to the telephone?"

"You may talk to me forever," he replied.

"And what as to the French Amba.s.sador?" she asked.

"Bother the Marquis--he may wait until morning."

"Tomorrow, then, is beyond the forever?"

"Tomorrow may take care of itself!"

"Don't be sacrilegious, sir."

"I'll be anything you wish," he replied.

"Then be a good listener while I tell my tale. It was this wise, Mr.

Harleston. Immediately after you were called away, indeed you were scarcely out of the room, a page brought a verbal message from the telephone operator that my maid had been found unconscious in the corridor of the eighth floor, and carried into 821. I hurried to the elevator. As I entered the door of 821, I was seized from behind and a handkerchief bound over my mouth and eyes. I then was tied in a chair, and a man's voice said that no further harm would come to me if I remained quiet until morning. I did not see the faces of my a.s.sailants; there were two at least, possibly three, and one I think was a woman.

My feelings and thoughts until the electrician released me may be imagined. It seemed days and days--and was somewhat uncomfortable while it lasted. When released I hurried down to look for you--or to write you a note of explanation if I couldn't find you. I'm sort of becoming accustomed to being abducted and kindred innocent amus.e.m.e.nts. I suppose the only reason they didn't kill me is that they can't kill me more than once; and to kill me now would be too early in the game."

"Killing is rarely done in diplomacy," observed Harleston, "except in large numbers; when it ceases to be diplomacy and becomes war. In fact, only bunglers resort to killing; and if the killing be known it ends one's career in the service. To have to kill to gain an end is conclusive evidence of incompetency. I mean, of course, among reputable nations. There are some thugs among the lesser Powers, just as there are thugs among the _'oi polloi_."

"Then Mrs. Spencer is an accomplished--diplomat," Mrs. Clephane remarked.

"She is at the top of the profession,--and as a directing force she is without a superior."

"You are very generous, Mr. Harleston!"

"I believe in giving the devil his dues. Indeed, in handling some affairs, she is in a cla.s.s by herself. Her beauty and finesse and alluringness make her simply irresistible. It's a cold and stony heart that she can't get inside of and use."

"A man's heart, you mean?"

"Certainly. A man is in control of such affairs."

"Then Mrs. Spencer's presence here indicates that this letter matter is of the first importance to Germany."

"It indicates that her business is of the first importance to Germany; the letter may simply be incidental to that business, in that its delivery to the French Amba.s.sador will embarra.s.s or complicate that business. The latter is likely the fact."

"It grows more involved every minute," Mrs. Clephane sighed. "It's useless to try to make me comprehend. I want to hear what happened to you; such simple concrete doings are more adapted to my unsophisticated mind."

"When I returned to the telephone, you were gone," he said; "I waited awhile, then cruised through the rooms, then went back to our place and waited again. Finally I went in to dinner, leaving word to be notified the moment you returned. I was at my soup when a note was brought to me saying that you had just seen someone whom you wished to avoid, and asking me to dine with you in your apartment--and that you would explain your disappearance. I went up at once to No. 972; and there encountered pretty much similar treatment to yours,"--and he detailed the episode, down to the time she reappeared in the corridor.

She had heard him through without an interruption; at the end she said simply:

"I've absolutely no business in this affair, Mr. Harleston. When such things can happen in this hotel, in the very centre of the National Capital and among the throngs of diners and guests, it behooves an ordinary woman to seek safety in a hospital or a prison. It seems that the greater the prominence of the place, the greater the danger and the less liability to arrest."

"In diplomacy!" he acquiesced.

"Then again, I say, Heaven save me from meddling in diplomacy!"

"Amen, my lady! Moreover," he added, as they arose and pa.s.sed into the corridor, "I want you as you are."

Once again their eyes met--she coloured and looked away.

"Play the game, Mr. Harleston," she reminded, "play the game! And thank you for a delicious dinner and a charming evening--and don't forget you've an appointment at ten."

"I had forgotten!" he laughed, drawing out his watch.

It was ten minutes of the hour.

"Take me to the F Street elevator and then hurry on," said she.

"And you will do nothing--and go nowhere until tomorrow?" he asked.

"I'll promise to remain here until--"

"I come for you in the morning?" he broke in.

"If I'm not abducted in the interval, I'll wait," and stepped into the car. "Good-night, Mr. Harleston!" she smiled--and the car shot upward.

"Hum!" muttered Harleston as he turned for his coat and hat. "I may be a fool, but I'll risk it--and I think I'm _not_."

It was but a step to Headquarters and he walked.

"The Superintendent," he said to the sergeant on duty in the outer office.

"The Chief has gone home, Mr. Harleston," was the answer.

"Home?"

"Yes, sir, two hours ago; he'll not be back tonight."

"Get him on the telephone," Harleston directed.

"Yes, sir, Mr. Harleston.... Here he is, sir--you can use the 'phone in the private office."

"h.e.l.lo! Is that you, Ranleigh? Yes, I recognized the voice. Did you telephone me at the Chateau about six-thirty?... You didn't?... You were on your way home at that hour.... Yes, exactly; it was a plant.... Do you know Crenshaw escaped from my apartment.... Yes, I saw him in the Chateau this evening.... What?... Yes, better look up Whiteside at once.... Yes, in the Collingwood.... Very good; I'll meet you there....

All right, I'll tell the sergeant."

XII