I had vainly sought, for two years, the very information which I
gained last night by chance at a Geneva table d'hote. It was from
Anstruther that I discovered the changed name under which Hugh
Fraser's daughter has been hidden from me for years. For I owe this
all to chance, to Anstruther's susceptibility, and to my playing
the risqu'e part which you saw fit me so well." The woman's eyes
were now flashing ominously.

"But you led me on--you deceived me!" stammered Alan Hawke.

"I had nothing to risk!" the resolute beauty replied. "My name
is not Berthe Louison, as you may well imagine! As for the little
amourette de voyage, I will leave the laurels to your handsome young
friend and yourself. I do not play with boys, and, as for you, I
should always guard myself against you!

"Now, I will be practical! I know Europe; I do not know India!
I need a man brave, cool, and unscrupulous; I need a resolute man
to aid me in the one purpose of my life! I wish to go out to India
to face this Hugh Fraser, to lift up the curtain of the dead past,
and I need a protector--a paid champion--a man who values the only
thing which is concrete power in life; a man who knows the power
of money! For, gold is irresistible!" Her bright face hardened.

"My duties are, then, not to be of a tender nature," lightly hazarded
Hawke.

"I can soon judge of your value by your adroitness, and you can make
your own record!" smiled the strange woman waif. "Let me see how
you would do this! I do not care to personally approach Mademoiselle