"Very good, sir. You need not call here again. It would be unwise. I
shall see you at the Swiss ambassador's ball, which will be held four
nights from tonight. There I will give you what passports you need and
other instructions. Until then, sir, auf Wiedersehen."

Captain Rentzel accompanied Hal from his father's office.

"You are in luck," said that worthy, "and the pay is big. In a year or
two you will be a wealthy man."

Hal thanked the captain, and made his way home alone.

As he moved up the steps he was startled to see a shadowy figure
lurking in the doorway. His hand dropped to his pocket, and he
advanced cautiously.

"Don't be afraid. Take your hand away from that revolver," came the
voice of Gladys Schweiring.

"Miss Gladys!" exclaimed Hal in surprise. "What are you doing here?
It is almost midnight."

"I was waiting for you," was the low response. "I was afraid something
might have happened."

"It has," replied Hal, "but it is good news and not bad. Where is your
mother?"

"In the drawing-room."