to help me in the work I have
undertaken, I were to keep from her even the smallest detail of our
plans. If she is to be ignorant, let me be ignorant also." The
simple, straightforward nature of the girl was apparent in what she
said.

"And yet you wish to know everything of what I do?" he said.

"It is only natural that I should," she answered. "I also wish to be
honest with Madame. You will give that promise, will you not, Jack?"

Browne considered for a moment. Embarrassing as the position had been
a few moments before, it seemed even more so now. At last he made up
his mind.

"Yes," he said very slowly; "since you wish it, I will give you that
promise, and I believe I am doing right. You love me, Katherine?"

"Ah, you know that," she replied. "I love and trust you as I could
never do another man."

"And you believe that I will do everything that a man can do to bring
about the result you desire?"

"I do believe that," she said.

"Then let it all remain in my hands. Let me be responsible for the
whole matter, and you shall see what the result will be. As I told you
yesterday, dear, if any man can get your father out of the terrible
place in which he now is, I will do so."

She tried to answer, but words failed her. Her heart was too full to
speak. She could only press his hand in silence.

"When shall I see you again?" Browne inquired, after the short silence
which had ensued. "I leave for London this afternoon."

"For London?" she repeated, with a startled look upon her face. "I did
not know that you were going so soon."

"There is no time to lose," he answered. "All our arrangements must be
made at once. I have as much to do next week as I can possibly manage.
I suppose you and Madame have set your hearts on going to the East?"

"I could not let you go alone," she answered; "and not only that, but
if you succeed in getting my father away, I must be there to welcome
him to freedom."

"In that case you and Madame had better hold yourselves in readiness to
start as soon as I give the word."

"We will be ready whenever you wish us to set off," she replied. "You
need have no fear of that."

Half an hour later Browne bade her good-bye, and, in less than three
hours, he was flying across France as fast as the express could carry
him. Reaching Calais, he boarded the boat. It was growing dusk, and
for that reason the faces of the passengers were barely
distinguishable. Suddenly Brow