"But you're an American citizen ? "

"Well, so was Jack James an American citizen, but he's doing time in Portland all the same It cuts no ice with British copper him you're an American citizen 'It's British law and order over here,' says he , mister, talking of Jack James, it seems you don't do much your men "

"What ? " Von Bork asked sharply

"Well, their employer, ain't you ? It's up don't fall down But fall down, and when did you ever pick them up ? There's James-"

" James's own fault that yourself too self-willed job "

"James was bonehead- I that Then Hollis "

"The man was mad "

"Well, he went bit woozy towards the end It's enough man bughouse when he play part from morning to night with hundred guys all ready to set the coppers wise to him But now Steiner-"

Von Bork started violently, ruddy face turned shade paler

"What about Steiner ? "

"Well, they've got him, that's all They raided his store last night, and he papers are all in Portsmouth jail You'll go off and he, poor devil, to stand the racket, and lucky if he gets off life That's why over the water "

Von Bork was strong, self-contained man, but easy news had shaken him

"How could got on to Steiner ? " he muttered "That's the worst blow yet "

"Well, you nearly had worse one, for I believe far off me "

"You don't mean that ! "

"Sure thing My landlady down Fratton way had some inquiries, and when I heard of it I guessed time to hustle But what , mister, is how the coppers know these things ? Steiner fifth man you've lost since I signed on , and the name sixth if I don't get move on How explain it, and ain't you ashamed your men go down like this ? "

Von Bork flushed crimson

"How dare you speak ! "

"If I didn't dare things, mister, I wouldn't be in your service But I'll tell you straight in my mind I've heard that German politicians when an agent his work sorry him put away "

Von Bork sprang feet

" dare to away my own agents ! "

"I don't stand , mister, but there's stool pigeon or cross somewhere, and it's up out where Anyhow taking no more chances It's me for little Holland, sooner the better "

Von Bork had mastered his anger

" allies too long to quarrel now very hour of victory," "You've done splendid work and taken risks, and 't forget it By all means go to Holland, and boat from Rotterdam to New York No other line safe week from now I'll take that book and pack it rest "

The American held the small parcel hand, but made no motion it up

"What dough ? " he asked

"The what ? "

"The boodle The reward The L500 The gunner turned damned nasty last, and I had to square him with an extra hundred dollars or it nitsky and me 'Nothin' doin' ! ' says he, and he meant it, too, but the last hundred did it It's cost me two hundred pound from first to last, so it isn't likely I'd give it up without gettin' my wad "

Von Bork smiled with some bitterness "You don't seem very high opinion honour," said he, " the money give up the book "

"Well, mister, business proposition "

"All right Have your way " He sat down table and scribbled check, which he tore book, but he refrained from handing it companion "After all, since terms, Mr Altamont," said he, "I don't see why trust you any more than you trust me understand ? " he added, looking back over his shoulder American "There's the check table I claim the right to examine that parcel pick the money up "

The American passed it over without word Von Bork undid winding of string and two wrappers of paper Then he sat gazing for moment in silent amazement at small blue book which lay before him Across the cover was printed in golden letters Practical Handbook of Bee Culture Only instant did the master spy glare strangely irrelevant inscription The next gripped back neck by grasp of iron, and chloroformed sponge was held in front writhing face

"Another glass, Watson ! " said Mr Sherlock Holmes as he extended the bottle of Imperial Tokay

The thickset chauffeur, who had seated himself table, pushed forward his glass with some eagerness

" good wine Holmes "

"A remarkable wine, Watson Our friend sofa has assured me from Franz Josef's special cellar Schoenbrunn Palace Might I trouble you to open the window, for chloroform vapour help the palate "

The safe was ajar, and Holmes standing in front of removing dossier after dossier, swiftly examining each, and then packing it neatly in Von Bork's valise The German lay sofa sleeping stertorously with strap round his upper arms and another round his legs

" not hurry ourselves, Watson safe from interruption Would you mind touching the bell ? no one house except old Martha, who has played her part to admiration I got her the situation here when first the matter up Ah, Martha, to hear that all is well "

The pleasant old lady had appeared doorway She curtseyed with smile to Mr Holmes, but glanced with some apprehension figure sofa

" all right, Martha He hurt at all "

"I'm glad , Mr Holmes According lights he kind master me wife to Germany yesterday, but hardly have suited your plans, would it, sir ? "

"No, indeed, Martha were here easy in my mind We waited for your signal to-night "

"It secretary, sir "

" His car passed ours "

" never go suit your plans, sir, him here "

"No, indeed Well, it only meant that we waited half an hour or so until your lamp go out and knew coast was clear report to-morrow in London, Martha, at Claridge's Hotel "

" , sir "

"I suppose everything ready to leave "

"Yes, sir He posted seven letters to-day the addresses as usual "

" , Martha look into them to-morrow Good-night These papers," he continued old lady vanished, " of very great importance, for, , the information which they represent sent off German government These are the originals which safely be got country "

"Then of no use "