"Because I've been in the room," said T. X. simply, "having by an
underhand trick succeeded in gaining the misplaced confidence of
Kara's housekeeper, who by the way" - he turned round to his desk
and scribbled a name on the blotting-pad - "will be discharged
to-morrow and must be found a place."

"Is there any -er -?" began the Chief.

"Funny business?" interrupted T. X., "not a bit. House and man
are quite normal save for these eccentricities. He has announced
his intention of spending three months of the year in England and
nine months abroad. He is very rich, has no relations, and has a
passion for power."

"Then he'll be hung," said the Chief, rising.

"I doubt it," said the other, "people with lots of money seldom
get hung. You only get hung for wanting money."

"Then you're in some danger, T. X.," smiled the Chief, "for
according to my account you're always more or less broke."

"A genial libel," said T. X., "but talking about people being
broke, I saw John Lexman to-day - you know him!"

The Chief Commissioner nodded.

"I've an idea he's rather hit for money. He was in that Roumanian
gold swindle, and by his general gloom, which only comes to a man