removal of the luncheon service, "tell them
that we are all hard at work here and that more than ever there's a
chance of our becoming one family."

On seeing Clemenceau approach his wife, the pretended Marseillais
delicately withdrew to the corner of the sideboard where the cigar-stand
tempted him. But he kept his eyes secretly on the two men who gave him
more concern than the two women. He reflected that fate had managed
things wisely for his plans, for if Clemenceau had married the
incorruptible Jewess, he might have been more surely foiled. As for
Daniels, the amateur apostle who hinted at a union of his people, he
might be dangerous or useful. He determined to put a spy on his track,
who might smear his face with ochre and stick an eagle's feather in his
cap so that, if seen to shoot him in a New Mexican canon, that supposed
lost Tribe of Israel which include the Apaches would gain the credit of
the murder. While reflecting, his quick ear heard a light loot draw
near; he did not look round, sure that it was his new recruit who crept
up to him. It was, indeed, Madame Clemenceau, who put his half-emptied
liquor glass upon the sideboard by him.

"No heeltapi in our house, Monsieur!" she exclaimed.

Cantagnac tossed off the concentrated cordial with contempt; his head
was not one to be affected by such potations.

"Thank you! have you already opened the trenches?" he asked in an
undertone.

"By means of the Italian, yes. I have entered the stronghold."

"But he closed the door in your face!"

"No, no; I can open it at any time."

"Excellent Kisschwasser, this of yours, madame!" exclaimed Von
Sendlingen, in his satisfaction speaking the word with a little too
accurate a pronunciation to suit a native of the south of France.

"Mark that man!" whispered Rebecca to Clemenceau, whom she had rejoined
as he stood by her father. "Distrust him! his laugh is forced and false!
I am sure that he wishes you evil!"

"Then stay here and shield the house!"

"No; I must go this evening. Ah, you men of brains laugh at us women for
entertaining presentiments. But we do have them and we must utter them.
Be on your guard!"

"And must you go?" went on Clemenceau to Daniels, as if he expected to
find him less resolute than his daughter.

"More than ever!" but, seeing how he had saddened him, he took his hand
with much emotion and added: "Rebecca will explain. I go away happy to
think that the honest men outnumber the other so