question, suggested to T. X. that Kara had anticipated the reason
for the call.

"Have you any idea," asked T. X., speaking with deliberation, "as
to why Lady Bartholomew has gone out of town at this particular
moment?"

Kara laughed.

"What an extraordinary question to ask me - as though Lady
Bartholomew confided her plans to one who is little more than a
chance acquaintance!"

"And yet," said T. X., contemplating the burning end of his
cigarette, "you know her well enough to hold her promissory note."

"Promissory note?" asked the other.

His tone was one of involuntary surprise and T. X. swore softly to
himself for now he saw the faintest shade of relief in Kara's
face. The Commissioner realized that he had committed an error -
he had been far too definite.

"When I say promissory note," he went on easily, as though he had
noticed nothing, "I mean, of course, the securities which the
debtor invariably gives to one from whom he or she has borrowed
large sums of money."

Kara made no answer, but opening a drawer of his desk he took out
a key and brought it across to where T. X. was sitting.