t
vault, to be disposed of at some future date. The ingots were well
insured, by an international company, against theft. The Nareda
government would receive one-third of that insurance as recompense for
the loss of its share. Perona and Spawn would get two-thirds--and have
the treasure as well.

* * * * *

Such was the present plan, into which, all unknown to me, I had been
plunged. And my presence complicated things considerably. So much so
that Perona grew vehement, this afternoon in the garden, explaining
why. His shrill voice carried clearly to Jetta, in spite of Spawn's
efforts to shut him up.

"I tell to you that Americano agent will undo us."

"How?" demanded the calmer Spawn.

"Already he has made Markes suspicious."

"Chut! You can befool Markes, Perona. You have for years been doing
it."

"This meddling fellow, he has met Jetta!"

"I do not believe it." There was a sudden grimness to Spawn's tone at
the thought. "I do not believe it. Jetta would not dare."

"You should have seen him flush when Markes mentioned at the
conference this morning that I am to marry Jetta. No one could miss
it. He has met her--I tell it to you--and it must have been last
night."

"So, you say?" Jetta could see her father's face, white with
suppressed rage. "You think that? And it is that this Grant might be
your rival, that worries you? Not our plans for to-night, which have
real importance--but worrying over a girl."

"She would not talk to me. She would not come out. He has no doubt put
wild ideas into her head. Spawn, you listen to me. I have always been
more clever than you at scheming. Is it not so? You have always said
it. I have a plan now, it fits our arrangements with De Boer, but it
will rid us of this Americano. When all is done and I have married
Jetta--"

* * * * *

Spawn interrupted impatiently. "You will marry Jetta, never fear. I
have promised her to you."

And because, as Jetta well knew, Perona had made it part of his
bargaining in financing Spawn. But this they did not now mention.

"To get rid of this Grant--well, that sounds meritorious. He is
dangerous around here. To that I agree."

"And with Jetta--"

"Have done, Perona!" With sudden decision Spawn leaped to his feet. "I
do not believe she would have dared talk to Grant. We'll have her out
and ask her. If she has, by the gods--"

It fell upon Jetta before she had time to g