burden on to your shoulders properly. England
or Germany, you have some of both in you. After all, it isn't a vital
matter under which banner you travel. It isn't quite like that with me.
I have lived here all my life and I wouldn't care to live anywhere else,
but that's because I carry my own country with me. It's English air
I breathe but it's a German heart I still carry with me. Good night,
Ronnie! Remember about Thomson."

The two men wrung hands and Granet made his way towards the door.

"About Thomson," he repeated to himself, as the servant conducted him
towards the door.

CHAPTER XXXI

Ambrose announced a visitor, early on the following morning, with some
show of interest.

"Captain Granet to see you, sir. We've a good many notes about him.
Would you like the book?"

Thomson shook his head.

"Thank you," he answered drily, "I have it in my desk but I think I can
remember. Is he outside now?"

"Yes, sir! He said he wouldn't keep you for more than a few minutes, if
you could spare him a short interview."

"Any luck last night?"

Ambrose sighed.

"I was up till three o'clock again. Once I thought I was on the track of
it. I have come to the conclusion now that it's one of those codes
that depend upon shifting quantities. I shall start again to-night on a
different idea. Shall I show Captain Granet in, sir?"

Thomson assented, and a few minutes later Granet entered the room. He
made no attempt to shake hands or to take a seat. Thomson looked at him
coldly.

"Well," he asked, abruptly, "what can I do for you?"

"I don't suppose you can do anything," Granet replied, "but I am
going to spend to-day and to-morrow, too, if necessary, in this place,
bothering every one I ever heard of. You have some influence, I know.
Get me a job out of this country."

Thomson raised his eyebrows slightly.

"You want to go abroad again?"

"Anywhere--anyhow! If they won't have me back in France, although heaven
knows why not, can I be sent to the Dardanelles, or even East Africa?
I'll take out Territorials, if you like. I'll do anything sooner than
be ordered to one of these infernal country towns to train young
tradespeople. If I don't worry, I know I shall get a home appointment
directly, and I don't want it."

Thomson studied his visitor, for a moment, carefully.

"So you want to be fighting again, eh?" he remarked.

"I do," Granet answered firmly.

Major Thomson drew a little locked book towards him,