have to take my word for it."

"Have I asked you to tell me?"

"No, you marvel of womanhood. You are dying of curiosity, I don't doubt,
but your restraint is superhuman."

Again she looked at him keenly. "Bob, you are dying of curiosity
yourself. Don't you suppose I can see?"

"It's something harder than curiosity," said Orme simply.

"How eager are you!" She laughed. "Now, there is plenty of time. The trip
won't take us more than half an hour; so come along and meet some friends
of mine."

"Bessie--if you _could_ hurry----"

"We can't start until the car comes. I'm expecting it at any moment. So
be good, and come along. There's such an interesting man--and very
distinguished. We don't try to pronounce his name. Just think, he was
engaged for dinner here, also, and came too late. And ever since he
arrived he's been called to the telephone at five-minute intervals. So
exciting! Nobody can guess what he's so busy about."

She threaded her way through the lively groups on the veranda, and
reluctantly he followed. The voice which he had so nearly recognized
sounded closer, then stopped with a curious little laugh that was loudly
echoed by others.

Bessie broke in upon the lull that followed. "Excellency, may I present
another man who missed his dinner?" she said saucily. "Mr. Orme."

The man addressed was sitting comfortably in a wicker chair that was
several sizes too large for him. At the mention of Orme's name he got to
his feet with startling alacrity.

"Mr.--_Orme_?" His surprise was unmistakable.

"Mr. Robert Orme," said Bessie.

Someone struck a match to light a cigar, and in the sudden light Orme
found himself looking into the face of the Japanese minister.

"I think I have never met you before," said the minister slowly.

"I think not," replied Orme.

He was much disquieted by the encounter. Now he understood that Arima had
been bound for this very place.

If only he had refused to let Bessie drag him into her circle! The
minister would not have known his face, but the mention of his name gave
full enlightenment.

The minister resumed his seat, and a chair was brought for Orme. There
were other introductions.

A woman's voice renewed the conversation. "Excellency, won't you tell us
another of your very interesting stories?"

The minister turned to her. "I will tell you one," he said, "that you
will not find in the literature of my country. It is a story of the
secret service, and it came