overt act. He waits; there is where the danger, the real danger, lies.
He waits; and it is his German blood which gives him this patience. A
Frenchman would have exploded long since."

"You have searched his luggage and his rooms, times without number."

"And found nothing; nothing that I might use effectively. But there is
this saving grace; he on his side knows nothing."

"I would I were sure of that also. Eh, well; I leave the affair in
your hands, and they are capable ones. When the time comes, act, act
upon your own initiative. In this matter we shall give no accounting
to Germany."

"No, because what I do must be done secretly. It will not matter that
Germany also knows and waits. But this is true; if we do not
circumvent him, she will make use of whatever he does."

"It has its whimsical side. Here is a man who may some day blow up
France, and yet we can put no hand on him till he throws the bomb."

"But there is always time to stop the flight of the bomb. That shall
be my concern; that is, if monsieur is not becoming discouraged and
desires me to occupy myself with other things. I repeat: I have
rheumatism, I apprehend the damp. He will go to America."

"Ah! It would be a very good plan if he remained there."

The little man did not reply.