"Your deficiencies in the matter of wisdom are unfortunate. That paper
constitutes our chief asset, my dear associate. So long as we have it we
are able to keep dear Francis in order. Therefore we shall hold fast to
it, remembering that we risked much in removing it from the lamented
Stroebel's archives."

"Do you say 'risked much'? My valued neck, that is all!" said the other.
"You and Winkelried are without gratitude."

"You will do well," said Chauvenet, "to keep an eye open in Vienna for
the unknown. If you hear murmurs in Hungary one of these fine days--!
Nothing has happened for some time; therefore much may happen."

He glanced at his watch.

"I have work in Paris before sailing for New York. Shall we discuss the
matter of those Peruvian claims? That is business. These other affairs
are more in the nature of delightful diversions, my dear comrade."

They drew nearer the table and Durand produced a box of papers over which
he bent with serious attention. Armitage had heard practically all of
their dialogue, and, what was of equal interest, had been able to study
the faces and learn the tones of voice of the two conspirators. He was
cramped from his position on the narrow balcony and wet and chilled by
the rain, which was now slowly abating. He had learned much that he
wished to know, and with an ease that astonished him; and he was well
content to withdraw with gratitude for his good fortune.

His legs were numb and he clung close to the railing of the little ladder
for support as he crept toward the area. At the second story his foot