young Englishmen, but he could not rid himself of the impression
that some unusually potent force emanated from the man. The
creature reminded him of a venomous snake.

A moment later his impression was proved correct. The new-comer
knocked on the door as all had done, but his reception was very
different. The bearded man rose to his feet, and all the others
followed suit. The German came forward and shook hands. His
heels clicked together.

"We are honoured," he said. "We are greatly honoured. I much
feared that it would be impossible."

The other answered in a low voice that had a kind of hiss in it:

"There were difficulties. It will not be possible again, I fear.
But one meeting is essential--to define my policy. I can do
nothing without--Mr. Brown. He is here?"

The change in the German's voice was audible as he replied with
slight hesitation:

"We have received a message. It is impossible for him to be
present in person." He stopped, giving a curious impression of
having left the sentence unfinished.

A very slow smile overspread the face of the other. He looked
round at a circle of uneasy faces.

"Ah! I understand. I have read of his methods. He works in the