s!" exploded Cutty. "Hang it, I don't want any telegrams!"

"Open it and have it over with," suggested Kitty.

"If you don't mind."

It was the worst kind of news--a summons to Washington for conference.
Which signified that the Government's plans were completed and that
shortly he would be on his way to Piraeus.

A fine muddle! Hawksley in no condition to send upon his way; Kitty's
affair unsettled; the emeralds still in camera obscura; Karlov at
liberty with his infernal schemes, and Stefani Gregor his prisoner. Wild
horses, pulling him two ways. A word, and Karlov would come to the end
of his rope suddenly. But if he issued that word the whole fabric he
had erected so painstakingly would blow away like cardboard. If those
emeralds turned up in the possession of any man but himself the ensuing
complications would be appalling. For he himself would be forced to tell
what he knew about the stones: Hawksley would be thrust conspicuously
into the limelight, and sooner or later some wild anarch would kill him.
Known, Hawksley would not have one chance in a thousand. Kitty would
be dragged into the light and harassed and his own attitude toward
her misunderstood. All these things, if he acted upon his oath.
Nevertheless, he determined to risk suspension of operations until he
returned from Washington. There was one sound plank to cling to. He had
first-hand information that anarchistic elements would remain in their
noisome cellars until May first. If he were not ordered abroad until
after that, no harm would follow his suspension of operations.

"Bad news?" asked Kitty, anxiously.

"Aggravating rather than bad. I am called to Washington. May be gone
four or five days. Official business. Leaves things here a bit in the
air."

"I'll stay as long as you need me," said Miss Frances.

"I'd rather a man now. You've been a brick. You need rest. I've a chap
in mind. He'll make our friend here toe the mark. A physical instructor,
ex-pugilist; knows all about broken heads."

"I say, that's ripping!" cried Hawksley. "Give me your man, and I'll be
off your hands within a week. The sooner you stop fussing over me the
sooner the crack in my head will cease to bother me.

"Kuroki will cook for you and Ryan will put you through the necessary
stunts. The roof, when the weather permits, makes a good exercising
ground. If you'll excuse me I'll do some telephoning. Kuroki, pack my
bag for a five-day trip to Washington. I'll take yo