en without
my knowledge. When I said that I was the editor of this paper, I meant,
of course, that I was the acting editor. Mr. Brown conducts his business
quite independently of myself. I know all the circumstances," he added
hastily, since he was very anxious that the girl should not refuse him
further information in the belief that he was an inconsiderable
quantity, "and I sympathize with you most sincerely."

A little smile curled the lips of the visitor.

Poltavo was ever a judge of men and women, and he knew that this was no
yielding, timid creature to be terrified by the fear of exposure.

"The matter can be left in the hands of Captain Brackly and my husband
to settle," she said. "I am going to take the letter to my solicitors. I
shall also show it to the two men most affected."

Now the letter had been written four days earlier, as Poltavo had seen,
and he argued that if it had not been revealed to these "two men most
affected" in the first heat of the lady's anger and indignation, it
would never be shown at all.

"I think you are very wise," he said suavely. "After all, what is a
little unpleasantness of that character? Who cares about the publication
of a few letters?"

"Has he got letters?" asked the girl quickly, with a change of tone.

Poltavo bowed again.

"Will they be returned?" she asked.

Poltavo nodded, and the girl bit her lips thoughtfully.

"I see," she said.

She looked at the letter again and without another word went out.

Poltavo accompanied her to the outer door.

"It is the prettiest kind of blackmail," she said at parting, and she
spoke without heat. "I have only now to consider which will pay me
best."

The Pole closed the door behind her and walked back to his inner office,
opened the door and stood aghast, for sitting in the chair which he had
so recently vacated was the veiled man.

He was chuckling, partly at Poltavo's surprise, partly at some amusing
thought.

"Well done, Poltavo," he said; "excellently fenced."

"Did you hear?" asked the Pole, surprised in spite of himself.

"Every word," said the other. "Well, what do you think of it?"

Poltavo pulled a chair from the wall and sat down facing his chief.

"I think it is very clever," he said admiringly, "but I also think I am
not getting sufficient salary."

The veiled man nodded.

"I think you are right," he agreed, "and I will see that it is
increased. What a fool the woman was to come here!"

"Either