Mr. Blensop did mind, and betrayed vexation with an impatient little
gesture which caused the card to fly from his fingers and fall face
uppermost on the table. Almost instantly he recovered it, but not before
Lanyard had read the name it bore.

"Of course not," said the secretary pleasantly, rising. "But you understand
my instructions are rigid ... I'm sorry."

"You refuse me the appointment?"

"Unless you can give me an inkling of your business--or perhaps bring a
letter of introduction."

"I can do neither, Mr. Blensop," said Lanyard earnestly. "I have
information of the gravest moment to communicate to the head of the British
Secret Service in this country."

The secretary looked startled. "What makes you think Colonel Stanistreet is
connected with the British Secret Service?"

"I don't think so; I know it."

After a moment of hesitation Mr. Blensop yielded graciously. "If you can
come back at nine to-morrow morning, Mr. Ember, I'll do my best to persuade
Colonel Stanistreet--"

"I repeat, my business is of the most pressing nature. Can't you arrange
for me to see your employer to-night?"

"It is utterly impossible."