m. If I
have killed men, God knows it was not because I desired their death, but
because their lives were dangerous to me and to mine. Ask the blade all
your questions and see what answer it gives. Until it speaks I am as
dumb as the blade, for it is also written that 'the soldier is the
servant of his sword,' and also, 'the wise servant is dumb about his
master's affairs.'"

T. X. laughed helplessly.

"I had hoped that you might be able to help me, hoped and feared," he
said; "if you cannot speak it is not my business to force you either by
threat or by act. I am grateful to you for having come over, although
the visit has been rather fruitless so far as I am concerned."

He smiled again and offered his hand.

"Excellency," said the old Turk soberly, "there are some things in life
that are well left alone and there are moments when justice should be so
blind that she does not see guilt; here is such a moment."

And this ended the interview, one on which T. X. had set very high
hopes. His gloom carried to Portman Place, where he had arranged to meet
Belinda Mary.

"Where is Mr. Lexman going to give this famous lecture of his?" was the
question with which she greeted him, "and, please, what is the subject?"

"It is on a subject which is of supreme interest to me;" he said
gravely; "he has called his lecture 'The Clue of the Twisted Candle.'
There is no clearer brain being employed in the business of criminal
detection than John Lexman's. Though he uses his genius for the
construction of stories, were it employed in the legitimate business
of police work, I am certain he would make a mark second to none in
the world. He is determined on giving this lecture and he has issued a
number of invitations. These include the Chiefs of the Secret Police of
nearly all the civilized countries of the world. O'Grady is on his way
from America, he wirelessed me this morning to that effect. Even the
Chief of the Russian police has accepted the invitation, because, as you
know, this murder has excited a great deal of interest in police circles
everywhere. John Lexman is not only going to deliver this lecture," he
said slowly, "but he is going to tell us who committed the murder and
how it was committed."

She thought a moment.

"Where will it be delivered!"

"I don't know," he said in astonishment; "does that matter?"

"It matters a great deal," she said emphatically, "especially if I want
it delivered in a certain place. Wo