"I DO know that," assented Marshall heartily."I appreciate your
position, and I regret it exceedingly. You are the innocent victim
of a regulation which is a wise regulation, but which is most
unfair to you. My own position," he added, "is not important, but
you can believe me, it is not easy. It is certainly no pleasure for
me to be unable to help you."

Hanley was leaning forward, his hands on his knees, his eyes
watching Marshall closely. "Then you refuse?" he said. "Why?"

Marshall regarded the senator steadily. His manner was untroubled.
The look he turned upon Hanley was one of grave disapproval.

"You know why," he answered quietly. "It is impossible."

In sudden anger Hanley rose. Marshall, who had been seated behind
his desk, also rose. For a moment, in silence, the two men
confronted each other. Then Hanley spoke; his tone was harsh and
threatening.

"Then I am to understand," he exclaimed, "that you refuse to carry
out the wishes of a United States Senator and of the President of
the United States?"

In front of Marshall, on his desk, was the little iron stamp of the
consulate. Protectingly, almost caressingly, he laid his hand upon
it.

"I refuse," he corrected, "to place the seal of this consulate on
a lie."