"Do you hear, Sir Andrew?" cried the member of Parliament,
jubilantly. "An American diplomat halted by our police because he is
the only witness of a most remarkable crime--THE most remarkable
crime, I believe you said, sir," he added, bending eagerly toward the
naval officer, "which has occurred in London in many years."

The American moved his head in assent, and glanced at the two other
members. They were looking, doubtfully, at him, and the face of each
showed that he was greatly perplexed.

Sir Andrew advanced to within the light of the candles and drew a
chair toward him.

"The crime must be exceptional, indeed," he said, "to justify the
police in interfering with a representative of a friendly power. If I
were not forced to leave at once, I should take the liberty of asking
you to tell us the details."

The gentleman with the pearl pushed the chair toward Sir Andrew, and
motioned him to be seated.

"You cannot leave us now," he exclaimed. "Mr. Sears is just about to
tell us of this remarkable crime."

He nodded, vigorously, at the naval officer and the American, after
first glancing, doubtfully, toward the servants at the far end of the
room, and leaned forward across the table. The others drew their
chairs nearer and bent toward him. The baronet glanced, irresolutely,
at his watch, and, with an exclamation of annoyance, snapped down the