"There is a mission of exceeding delicacy," began Baron Tregar slowly,
"which I feel I must inflict upon you." His deep, penetrating eyes
lingered intently upon Philip's face. "It concerns the singular
conveyance of green and white and the lady within it."

Philip looked frankly astonished.

"I take it then," he suggested, "that you know the nomadic lady, Baron
Tregar?"

"No," said the Baron.

Philip stared.

"Your Excellency is pleased to jest," he said politely.

"On the contrary," said the Baron, "I am at a loss for suitable words in
which to express my singular request. I am assured of your interest,
Poynter?"

"Of my interest, assuredly!" admitted Philip. "My compliance," he added
fairly, "depends, of course, upon the nature of the mission."

"It is absurdly simple," said the Houdanian suavely. "Merely to discover
whether or not the nomadic lady feels any exceptional interest--in
Houdania. For the information to be acquired in a careless,
disinterested manner without arousing undue interest, requires, I think,
an American of brains and breeding, a compatriot of the nomad. It has
occurred to me that you are equipped by a habit of courtesy and tact
to--arrive accidentally in the path of the caravan--"