Every word of that, as Tess knew, the commissioner could have
ascertained in a minute from his office files. So she was quite as much
on guard as he--quite as alert to discover hidden drifts.

"I'm afraid there'll be complications," he went on with an air of friendly
frankness. "Perhaps I'd better wait until I can see your husband?"

"If you like, of course. But he and I speak the same language. What
you tell me will reach him--anything you say, just as you say it."

"I'd better be careful then!" he answered, smiling. "Wise wives don't
always tell their husbands everything."

"I've no secrets from mine."

"Unusual!" he smiled. "I might say obsolete! But you Americans with
your reputation for divorce and originality are very old-fashioned in some
things, aren't you?"

"What did you want me to tell my husband?" countered Tess.

"I wonder if he understands how complicated conditions are here.
For instance, does your contract stipulate where the gold is to be found?"

"On the maharajah's territory."

"Anywhere within those limits?"

"So I understand."