f satisfaction from the feeling that he
was, in a certain sense, a conspirator. Plainly as he had expressed
himself to Katherine, however, it is extremely doubtful whether he
himself realised how difficult and dangerous the task he had taken upon
himself was likely to prove. The Russian Government, at the best of
times, is like dynamite, a thing to be handled carefully; and one
minute's consideration was sufficient to show him that the work he had
pledged himself to undertake was not one that, in the event of things
going wrong, would entitle him to the sympathy of his own Government.
He thought of the Duke of Matlock, and wondered what he would say if it
should ever become known that he, John Grantham Browne, had assisted in
the escape of a Russian Nihilist from the island of Saghalien. He
could very well imagine the pious horror of the Duchess when the
various rumours, which would be certain to go the round of the clubs,
should reach her ears. And this suggested a still more unpleasant
reflection. What if he should fail in his attempt to rescue the man,
and should find himself in the clutches of the Russian Bear? What
would his fate be then? His own country could scarcely demand his
release, seeing that he would, in all probability, be caught
red-handed. He put the thought away from him, however, as having
nothing to do with the case. It was Katherine's father who stood in
need of assistance, and it was Katherine's happiness which was at
stake. That was enough for him. With the remembrance of her
gratitude, and of the look he had seen in her face, when he had
promised to help her, still fresh in his mind, such a thing as counting
the cost was not to be thought of. Having finished his lunch, he
returned to his hotel, to find a note upon his sitting-room table. It
was from Katherine. He opened it, with a feeling that was half
eagerness and half fear in his heart, and read as follows:

"DEAR LOVE,--How can I make you see how good I think you are, and how
little I deserve such treatment at your hands! There is no one else in
the world who would do what you have done, and I shall thank God always
for sending you to my assistance. Believe me, I know how much you are
risking, and how much you are giving up, and are willing to forfeit,
for my sake. Oh, if I could only repay you as you deserve! But, come
what may, you will always have my love, and my life-long gratitude.
To-night an old friend will be with us