"I don't know," she answered. "It isn't likely, however; he is too old
and tried an official to be venal. Furthermore we haven't any money at
hand, and my instructions are to act independently of the German
Embassy, and under no circumstances whatever to communicate with it. In
such business as we are engaged, the Embassy never knows us nor of our
plans. They don't dare to know; and they will calmly deny us if we
appeal to them."

"The money might be arranged," Marston suggested. "You could cable to
Berlin for it--and have it cabled back."

"It might be done," said she thoughtfully. "You mean to try Carpenter
for a copy of the cipher letter?"

"It won't do any particular harm, as I see it; it can't make us any
worse off and it may give us the letter. It's worth the trial, it seems
to me."

"But if Carpenter has not succeeded in finding the key-word, how will
the letter help? Do you expect to bribe the French Embassy also?"

"It may not be necessary," he replied. "I know a number of keys of
French ciphers; one of them may fit."

"Very well," said she quietly; "you are empowered to have a try at
Carpenter."

"Good--I'll start after it at once. Any further orders, madame?"