t the case. We must destroy not
only Monsieur Caratal, but Monsieur Caratal's documents, and Monsieur
Caratal's companions also, if we had reason to believe that he had
communicated his secrets to them. And you must remember that they were
on the alert, and keenly suspicious of any such attempt. It was a task
which was in every way worthy of me, for I am always most masterful
where another would be appalled.

"I was all ready for Monsieur Caratal's reception in Liverpool, and I
was the more eager because I had reason to believe that he had made
arrangements by which he would have a considerable guard from the
moment that he arrived in London. Anything which was to be done must
be done between the moment of his setting foot upon the Liverpool quay
and that of his arrival at the London and West Coast terminus in
London. We prepared six plans, each more elaborate than the last;
which plan would be used would depend upon his own movements. Do what
he would, we were ready for him. If he had stayed in Liverpool, we
were ready. If he took an ordinary train, an express, or a special,
all was ready. Everything had been foreseen and provided for.

"You may imagine that I could not do all this myself. What could I
know of the English railway lines? But money can procure willing
agents all the world over, and I soon had one of the acutest brains in
England to assist me. I will mention no names, but it would be unjust
to claim all the credit for myself. My English ally was worthy of such
an alliance. He knew the London and West Coast line thoroughly, and he
had the command of a band of workers who were trustworthy and
intelligent. The idea was his, and my own judgement was only required
in the details. We bought over several officials, amongst whom the
most important was James McPherson, whom we had ascertained to be the
guard most likely to be employed upon a special train. Smith, the
stoker, was also in our employ. John Slater, the engine-driver, had
been approached, but had been found to be obstinate and dangerous, so
we desisted. We had no certainty that Monsieur Caratal would take a
special, but we thought it very probable, for it was of the utmost
importance to him that he should reach Paris without delay. It was for
this contingency, therefore, that we made special
preparations--preparations which were complete down to the last detail
long before his steamer had sighted the shores of England. You will be