you--let me have a look through them. Now, here's one--this is the sort
of man that I like; he telegraphs--he doesn't write. A man with
individuality--an original mind. Try him."

"Excuse me, Sir Matthew, have you noticed the name?"

Sir Matthew put on his eyeglass and examined the telegram.

"Louis Klein," he read, "and a very good name too--what's the matter with
it?"

"D'you think it advisable, Sir Matthew, in the present state of public
opinion--"

"Public opinion, Mr. Tarleton, means the Press, and that doesn't concern
_us_. The true interests of the nation are our concern, and in this
case I see no reason whatever why, because this man's name is Klein--As a
matter of fact, when I was dining with a member of the Cabinet a few
evenings ago, I met a most charming person called Schmerz, and, I have
reason for knowing, a most loyal subject. Indeed, I understand that my
friend the minister finds his advice most useful in certain cases. No,
no, by all means send for this Mr. Klein--let's have a look at him."

* * * * *

Mr. Klein arrived, and Oswald Tarleton was not favourably impressed by
him. He had thick features and a generally unattractive appearance; he
spoke, too, with an accent which Tarleton distrusted, although Klein
assured him that he was a French Alsatian, and as proof thereof showed
the secretary a letter from the French Embassy which vouched for his