"Then set Pasquier to work to ascertain what this Madame Spencer is
about. Let him report as quickly as he has anything definite. I'll cable
Paris at once as to the letter."




XIV

THE SLIP OF PAPER


Madeline Spencer, leaning languidly against the mahogany table in the
corner of the drawing-room, drummed softly with her finger tips as she
listened.

"What is the use of it all?" Marston was asking. "We can't get the
letter. Harleston evidently told the truth; he has turned it over to the
State Department, so why not be content that it's there, and let well
enough alone?"

"I've been letting well enough alone by occupying them with the notion
that the letter is the thing most desired," Mrs. Spencer returned.
"Muddying the water, as it were, so as to obscure the main issue and get
away with the trick. Direct your attention here, if you please,
gentlemen! Meanwhile we escape from the other end."

"Mrs. Clephane was at the French Embassy this afternoon," he observed.