is now being paid
out to fifty-three men.

"On Aug. 6 the subaltern in charge of the Irish brigade was given
a German soldier to help him.

"In this camp every possible endeavour is made to help to attain
the important objects in view, but owing to the Irish being
accommodated with coloured races within the precincts of a closed
camp, it is inevitable that serious dissensions and acts of
violence should take place. Moreover, a German subaltern is not
suited for dealing independently with Irishmen.

"(Sgd.) HAUPTMANN, d. R. a. D.,

"(Retired Captain on the Reserve List)."

The last paper read as follows:

"(COPY)

"(Wireless via Mexico)

"Berlin (no date).

"FEREZ,
"N. Y.

"Necessary close Nihla Quellen case immediately. Evidently useless
expect her take service with us. Hold you responsible. Advise you
take secret measures to end menace to our interests in Paris.
D'Eblis urges instant action. Bolo under suspicion. Ex-minister
also suspected. Only drastic and final action on your part can end
danger. You know what to do. Do it."

The telegram was signed with a string of letters and numerals.

Renoux glanced curiously at Barres, who had turned very red and was
beginning to re-read the wireless.

When he finished, Renoux folded all the documents and placed them in
the breast pocket of his coat.

"Mon ami, Barres," he said pleasantly, "you and I have much yet to say
to each other."

"In the meanwhile, let us wash the stains of combat from our persons.
What is the number of your collar?"

"Fifteen and a half."

"I can fit you out. The bathroom is this way, old top!"

XXI

THE WHITE BLACKBIRD

Refreshed by icy baths and clean linen, and now further fortified
against the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune by a supper of
cold fowl and Moselle, Captain Renoux and Garret Barres sat in the
apartment of the former gentleman, gaily exchanging Latin Quarter
reminiscences through the floating haze of their cigars.

But the conversation soon switched back toward the far more serious
business which alone accounted for their being there together after
many years. For, as the French officer had remarked, a good deal
remained to be said between them. And Barres knew what he meant, and
was deeply concerned at the prospect.

But Renoux approached the matter with careless good humour and by a
leisurely, circuitous route, which polite pussy-footing w