"Mademoiselle Idiale and I must talk together first. I am not sure,"
he added, "whether I might not find a higher bidder."

Streuss laughed mirthlessly.

"There is little fear of that," he said. "The papers are of no
use except to us and to England. To England, I will admit that the
foreknowledge of what is to come would be worth much, although the
eventful result would be the same. It is for that reason that I am
here, for that reason that I have made you this offer."

"Mademoiselle and I must discuss it," Bellamy declared. "It is not
a matter to be decided upon off-hand. Remember that it is not only
the packet which you are offering to buy, but also my career and my
honor."

"One hundred thousand pounds," Streuss said slowly. "From your own
side you get nothing - nothing but your beggarly salary and an
occasional reprimand. One hundred thousand pounds is not immense
wealth, but it is something."

"Your offer is a generous one," admitted Bellamy, "there is no doubt
about that. On the other hand, I cannot decide without further
consideration. It is a big thing for us, remember. I have worked
very hard for the contents of that packet."

Once more Streuss felt an uneasy pang of incredulity. After all,
was this Englishman playing with him? So he asked: "You are quite
sure that you have it?"