Atlee
as he buttoned his coat.

'More than that, I said, "If the Cabinet here persist in sending
Kostalergi--"'

'Whom did you say? What name was it you said?'

'Kostalergi--the Prince. As much a prince as you are. First of all, they
have no better; and secondly, this is the most consummate adventurer in the
East.'

'I should like to know him. Is he here--at Athens?'

'Of course he is. He is waiting till he hears the Sultan will receive him.'

'I should like to know him,' said Atlee, more seriously.

'Nothing easier. He comes here every day. Will you meet him at dinner
to-morrow?'

'Delighted! but then I should like a little conversation with him in the
morning. Perhaps you would kindly make me known to him?'

'With sincere pleasure. I'll write and ask him to dine--and I'll say that
you will wait on him. I'll say, "My distinguished friend Mr. Atlee, of whom
you have heard, will wait on you about eleven or twelve." Will that do?'

'Perfectly. So then I may make my visit on the presumption of being
expected?'

'Certainly. Not that Kostalergi wants much preparation. He plays baccarat
all night, but he is at his desk at six.'

'Is he rich?'

'Hasn't a sixpence--but plays all the same. And what people are more
surprised at, pays when he loses. If I had not already passed an evening
in your company, I should be bold enough to hint to you the need of
caution--great caution--in talking with him.'

'I know--I am aware,' said Atlee, with a meaning smile.

'You will not be misled by his cunning, Mr. Atlee, but beware of his
candour.'

'I will be on my guard. Many thanks for the caution. Good-night!--once
more, good-night!'

CHAPTER LXIV

GREEK MEETS GREEK

So excited did Atlee feel about meeting the father of Nina Kostalergi--of
whose strange doings and adventurous life he had heard much--that he
scarcely slept the entire night. It puzzled him greatly to determine in
what character he should present himself to this crafty Greek. Political
amateurship was now so popular in England, that he might easily enough
pass off for one of those 'Bulls' desirous to make himself up on the Greek
question. This was a part that offered no difficulty. 'Give me five
minutes of any man--a little longer with a woman--and I'll know where
his sympathies incline to.' This was a constant boast of his, and not
altogether a vain one. He might be an archaeological traveller eager about
new-discovered relics and curious abou