n called the
head of my profession, and shall I be accused of vanity if, with my
hand upon my heart, I acknowledge that tribute and say, 'It is well
deserved'?

"Under date as above, I am resigning my office as Chief of that
department which I have so long directed, being no more in a
position to perform my duties as a man of honour, since I have been
instructed to take charge of what is called 'the Severac Bablon
case.'

"It is the first time that my duty to France has run contrary to my
duty to the great, the marvellous man whom you know by that name,
and to whom I owe all that I have, all that I am; whose orders I
may not and would not disregard.

"By his instructions I performed to-day a little deception upon the
representatives of English law and upon one of my esteemed
colleagues--a most capable and honourable man, for whom I cherish
extreme regard, and whom I would wish to see in the office I now
resign. He is not one of Us, and in every respect is a suitable
candidate for that high post.

"I was honoured, then, by instructions to impersonate my Leader. No
reference here to my powers of disguise is necessary. I took the
place of him you call Severac Bablon at a certain Laurel Cottage in
Dulwich. I entered with the key he had entrusted to me, too quickly
to be arrested, if any had tried, and none made the attempt, which
was an error of strategy (see _Code_, pp. 336-43). All in the dark
I placed his coat and hat upon the table. I overlooked something in
the gloom, but no matter. I correct my errors; it is the Secret. I
was not otherwise disguised. It was not necessary. I waited until
one of those watching broke into the little room at the back. I
stood beside the window. Noiseless as the leopard I stepped behind
him as he entered. I could have slain him with ease. I did not do
so. I proclaimed myself. _I_ was entering, too!

"Why should I name the man to whom I thus offered the one great
chance of a lifetime? No, I am so old at this game. He overlooked
no more than another must have done--any more than I.

"But, although outside it poured with rain, my clothes were scarce
wet. How had I watched and kept dry?

"He did not ask himself. No matter. I gave him his chance. We
French, to-day, are sportsmen!

"I understan