"_Dios mio_!" he exclaimed, "let me see, Señor."

"Going to open it?" asked Mr. Grimm.

"Yes, Señor. I had not thought of it before."

Mr. Grimm rose and walked over to the window where the light was better.
He scrutinized the sealed packet closely. There were three red splotches
of wax upon it, each impressed with the legation seal; the envelope was
without marks otherwise. He turned and twisted it aimlessly, and peered
curiously at the various seals, after which he handed it to the frankly
impatient diplomatist.

Señor Rodriguez opened it, with nervous, twitching fingers. Mr. Grimm
had turned toward the safe again, but he heard the crackle of parchment
as some document was drawn out of the envelope, and then came a deep
sigh of relief. Having satisfied his sudden fears for the safety of the
paper, whatever it was, the señor placed it in another envelope and
sealed it again with elaborate care. Mr. Grimm dropped into the swivel
chair at the desk.

"Señor," he inquired pleasantly, "your daughter and Miss Thorne were in
this room yesterday afternoon?"

"Yes," replied the diplomatist as if surprised at the question.

"What time, please?"

"About three o'clock. They were going out driving. Why?"