k of the
official immunity of his Chief.

But there were other forces arrayed against him with which he had not
reckoned. At a deserted and unlighted corner he found his progress
blocked by two figures who attempted to engage him in a conversation.
Now thoroughly awake to a personal danger which no official immunity
could minimize, he was at once upon his guard, moving quickly into the
middle of the street. The two men followed him, and another whom he had
not seen came upon him from the rear. He dodged the blow of a stick
which caught him a stinging blow upon the forearm, but he sprang aside,
striking a furious blow full in the face of one of his antagonists and
leaping out of harm's way as the third came on; and then, finding
discretion the better part of valor, took to his heels, emerging into
the Ringstrasse some moments later, with no greater damage than a
bruised arm and the loss of his breath and hat.

The Embassy in the Metternichgasse fortunately was not far away, and he
reached the building without further mishap, now fully aware of the
desperateness of his enemies, whom he did not doubt were employed by
those whose interests in his secret were more important even than those
of the Austrian government. Who? It was obvious. There were other
agencies at work, which drew their information from high sources with
which they had little in common. A little bewildered by the rapid march
of events, but now certain of the web of intrigue and hostility of which
he was the center, Renwick entered the office of the Embassy, breathing
a sigh of relief that he was again for the present safe within its
familiar portals.

The Ambassador was at his desk in his private office, and Renwick went
in to him immediately, the grave faces of his Chief and Captain Otway,
the military attache, assuring him that his information had already been
received and discussed.

"Ah, Renwick," said the Ambassador, rising, "glad you've come. We were
beginning to fear that something had happened to you. Why, what's the
matter? You're as white as a sheet----"

"Am I, sir? Oh, it's nothing. You got my message?"

The ambassador nodded and then quickly, "Give him a drink, Otway." And
then as the other moved across the room to obey, "You were attacked--in
the street?"

Renwick laughed. "Oh, don't bother, please. I'm quite all right--just a
bit of a breather--that's all. You see--I ran for it. Safer, I thought.
I could have done for the beggars, i