ed to us a proper
precaution.

As we had talked I saw Merton playing with the dusty blue ribbon
which, when he entered, lay beside the papers. As we rose I missed it,
and knew that he had put it in his pocket. After we had arranged for
our passports I left with Merton. As we walked away he said:

"I propose that you say at once to the baron's friends that we will
leave for Belgium to-morrow. It is not unusual, and I have a right to
choose. You must insist. Porthos is wild for a fight, and--confound
it, don't look so anxious. This affair has hurried things a little; I
wanted more practice. I should be a fool to say I am a match for
Porthos, but he is very big. If I can tire him, or get a scratch such
as stops these affairs--somehow it will come to an end, and, at all
events, how better could I risk my life for my country? It must be
lightly talked about in the clubs to-night." West and I took care that
it was.

The next day early we were at the legation. The first secretary was
preparing the dummy. "Pity," said Merton, "to leave the enclosure a
blank." The secretary laughed and wrote on the inside cover:

Trust you will find this interesting,

Yours,

_Uncle Sam._

We went out, Merton and I looking at our passports and talking loudly.
At ten that morning the first secretary and an attache started for
London. To anticipate, he was jostled by two men on the Dover pier
that afternoon, and until a few minutes later did not detect his loss
of the papers. It was cleverly done. Of course he made a complaint and
the police proved useless.

XV

The duel had been duly discussed at the clubs, and it is probable that
no one suspected Merton of any other purpose. The baron was eager and
Belgium a common resort for duels. On the same day after the
secretary's departure for London, Merton took the train for Brussels
with Lieutenant West, the baron and his friends, Count le Moyne and
the colonel. The captain had the papers fastened under his shirt, and,
as I learned later, was well armed. Not the least suspicion was
entertained in regard to our double errand, and, as I had talked
freely of being one of the seconds, I was able to follow them, as far
as I could see, unwatched, except by Alphonse, who promptly reported
me to his other employers as having gone to Belgium as one of
Merton's friends.

In the evening we met Le Moyne and the little colonel at the