I have not
had many messages of this kind. None but my solicitors would send one,
and that means trouble. But here goes!"

Mark tore off the end of the envelope, opened the message and read.
Saunders did the same with his. One glance was enough for each.

"I told you so," said Saunders. "Here's my message: 'Central
disconnected.'"

Mark looked up with surprise.

"'Central disconnected'? What's that, Saunders? More United States?"

"It's our code," replied the detective, "for 'Come back to the central
office at once. Our connection with the case is at an end.'"

There was a trace of pain in Mark's face, as he handed his own telegram
over for Saunders to read. It was from New York:

"Harvey, Sullivan and Riggs, your solicitors, wire us to find you and
say that your brother is dead and that you are to return at once."

"I'm sorry, Griffin, very sorry." There was real sympathy in Saunders'
voice. "Perhaps it is better that you should go. It may be a way out.
Your Ambassador can help you. I've got to stay and face it. Yes, it
would be better for you to go."

"You're wrong, Saunders." Mark's voice had a decided note in it. "My
disappearance might complicate the international part of the situation.
Baron Griffin was a member of the House of Lords, and quite a
personage. And I am the only brother of that late personage. He had
no children. I can fight better here--as Baron Griffin."

"Great Scott!" cried Saunders. "Come to think of it, you _are_ Baron
Griffin now!"

"Yes, I am, and only half sorry for it, much as I regret my brother's
death. What are you going to do, Saunders?"

The detective looked embarrassed.

"I didn't intend to tell you, but I guess I will. I'm going to throw
up my job. I'm in this thing and I'm going to stay and see it out."

"Good old chap!" answered Mark. "I thought you would. But can you
afford it?"

"Frankly, I can't; but I'm going to do it just the same."

"Saunders," said Mark, "I think I need the services of a sort of
detective."

"You mean a protective bodyguard."

"Put it as you like--any way that will let me pay you for your time.
You say you are going to stay on the case. I want to have you on it.
You may not need me badly, but I'm sure that I need you."

"Then you want me to apply for the job?"

"I'd employ you if you would take it, old chap."

"Then I apply. I never asked for a job before, but I want this one.
Shake!"

The men shook