my best."

"And most noble of you, I'm sure. But rather than bring down any such
disaster upon this organization, I will say now that measures have already
been taken, and I am to-night in a position to promise you that the new
spirit in Scotland Yard will no longer be a factor in our calculations."

"That wants proving," Eleven contended.

A spasm of anger shook the figure in the throne-like chair, but only for
an instant; immediately the iron will of the man imposed rigid
self-control; almost without pause he proceeded in level and civil accents:

"I think I can satisfy you and--this once--I consent to do so. But first, a
question: Have you yourself formed any theory as to the identity of this
hostile intelligence which has so hindered us of late?"

"I'd be a raw fool if I hadn't," the Irishman retorted. "We know the Lone
Wolf has been hand-in-glove with the authorities ever since the British
Secret Service used him during the war."

"You think, then, it is Lanyard--?"

"It's a wise saying: 'Set a thief to catch a thief.' I believe there's no
man in England but Lanyard who has the wit and vision and audacity to fight
us on our ground and win."

"I agree entirely. Therefore, I have this day tied the hands of the Lone
Wolf; he will not again dare to contend against us."

Eleven sat up with a startled gesture.

"Are you meaning you've got the girl?"

Number One indulged a remote and chilly smile.

"Then you, too, noticed the advertisement? Accept my compliments, Eleven.
Decidedly you might prove a dangerous rival--were I in a temper to
countenance competition.... But it is true: I have the girl Sofia--the Lone
Wolf's daughter."

"Where?"

The smile faded; the man on the dais looked down loftily.

"It is enough for you to know I have proved far-sighted and unfailing in my
fidelity to our common cause."

"So _you_ say ..."

Though the Irishman winced and fell silent under the cold glare of the
other's eyes, the voice that answered him was level and passionless.

"I am not here to have my word challenged--or my authority. If any one of
you imagines I am even thinking of surrendering the latter, under any
conceivable circumstances, he is mad. And if any one of you doubts my power
to enforce my will, I promise him ample proof of it before the night is
ended.... Let us now proceed to business, the question held over from our
last meeting. If Comrade Four will consult his minutes"--a nod singled out
the b