Yasmini's likeness he did not think he had ever met one who so
measured up to rumor. The nautch he knew for a delusion. Yet--!

The general watched his face with eyes that missed nothing.

"Remember--I said work with her!"

King looked up and nodded.

"They say she's three parts Russian," said the general. "To my
own knowledge she speaks Russian like a native, and about twenty
other tongues as well, including English. She speaks English as
well as you or I. She was the girl-widow of a rascally Hill-rajah.
There's a story I've heard, to the effect that Russia arranged her
marriage in the day when India was Russia's objective--and that's
how long ago?--seems like weeks, not years! I've heard she loved
her rajah. And I've heard she didn't! There's another story that
she poisoned him. I know she got away with his money--and that's
proof enough of brains! Some say she's a she-devil. I think that's
an exaggeration, but bear in mind she's dangerous!"

King grinned. A man who trusts Eastern women over readily does
not rise far in the Secret Service.

"If you've got nous enough to keep on her soft side and use her--
not let her use you--you can keep the 'Hills' quiet and the Khyber
safe! If you can contrive that--now--in this pinch--there's no
limit for you! Commander-in-chief shall be your job before
you're sixty!"