final catastrophe for a short while; it could do no more. In the
long run, it would be better for your country, Mr. Bellamy, in every
way, that the end come soon. Therefore, I ask you to perform no
traitorous deed. I ask you to do that which is simply reasonable
for all of us, which is, indeed, for the advantage of all of us.
restore those papers to me instead of handing them to your Government,
and I will pay you for them the sum of one hundred thousand pounds!"

"One hundred thousand pounds " Bellamy repeated.

"One hundred thousand pounds!" murmured Louise.

There was a brief, intense pause. Louise waited, warned by the
expression in Bellamy's face. Silence, she felt, was safest, and it
was Bellamy who spoke.

"Baron," said he, "your visit and your proposal are both a little
amazing. Forgive me if I speak alone with Mademoiselle for a moment."

"Most certainly," the Baron agreed. "I go away and leave you - out
of the room, if you will."

"It is not necessary," Bellamy replied. "Louise!" The Baron
withdrew to the window, and Bellamy led Louise into the furthest
corner of the room.

"What can it mean?" he whispered. "What do you suppose has happened?"

"I cannot imagine. My brain is in a whirl."