od-night, they set off together.

CHAPTER XIV

Once in the street the old man slipped his arm through that of his
companion, and hobbled along beside him. "My dear young friend," he
said, when they had been walking for some few minutes, "we are out of
the house now, and able to talk sensibly together without fear of
making fools of ourselves or of being overheard. First and foremost,
tell me this: have you any notion of what you are doing?"

[Illustration: "'Have you any notion of what you are doing?'"]

"Of course I am not very well up in it," Browne replied modestly; "but
I think I know pretty well."

"Then, let me tell you this, as one who is probably more conversant
with the subject than any man living: you know absolutely nothing at
all!"

After this facer Browne did not know quite what to say. Herr Sauber
stopped and looked at him.

"Has it struck you yet," he said, "that you, a young Englishman,
without the least experience in such things, are pitting yourself
against all the organization and cunning of the Great Russian Bear?"

"That point has certainly struck me," Browne replied.

"And do you mean to say that, knowing the strength of the enemy you are
about to fight, you are not afraid to go on? Well, I must admit I
admire your bravery; but I fear it is nearer foolhardiness than pluck.
However, since you are determined to go on with it, let me give you a
little bit of advice that may be of service to you. I understand you
have not long enjoyed the honour of Madame Bernstein's acquaintance?"

Browne stated that this was so, and wondered what was coming next. He
was beginning to grow interested in this queer old man, with the sharp
eyes, who spoke with such an air of authority.

"Before I go any farther," continued the old gentleman, "permit me to
remark that I yield to no one in my admiration for the lady's talent.
She is an exceedingly clever woman, whose grasp of European politics
is, to say the least of it, remarkable. At the same time, were I in
your position, I would be as circumspect as possible in my behaviour
towards her. Madame is a charming companion; she is philosophic, and
can adapt herself to the most unpleasant circumstances with the
readiness of an old campaigner. In matters like the present, however,
I regret to say, her tongue runs riot with her, and for that reason
alone I consider her little short of dangerous."

This may or may not have been the exact thought Brow