allowed him to cross to America. That is why I deserted you at East
Cape. I thought you were of the Secret Service, and would have the
Russian arrested as soon as his foot touched American soil. That is why
I said the offer of a reward for his arrest was a blunder. Don't you
see? We were to get them all."

"But the girl, Cio-Cio-San?" Johnny questioned.

"She is not of the secret police. She helps me as a friend, that's all,
and I will help her if I can."

Johnny wished to question him regarding the treasure, but something held
him back.

"So you see how it is." Hanada spoke wearily. "We have gone so far, so
very far. Mebbe to-morrow, mebbe next day, we would have uncovered their
lair; but to-night the police are on my trail, for 'treason' they call
it. Bah! It was a dream, a great and wonderful dream; a dream that would
mean much for your country and mine." His words were full of mystery.
"But now they will arrest me, and you must carry on the hunt for the
Russian and his band. This other thing, it can wait. It will come,
sometime, but not now."

"What other?" asked Johnny.

Hanada did not answer.

There came the stealthy shuffle of feet in the corridor.

"They are coming," whispered Hanada. "Remember my testimony will free