ou do, good luck go with you."

"There are good men in this world, sir, and I shall always remember you
as one of them."

"By the way, that man Mallow; have you met him yet?"

The quizzical expression in his eyes made Warrington laugh. "No."

"I was in hopes . . ." The consul-general paused, but Warrington
ignored the invitation to make known his intentions.

He shunted further inquiry by saying: "A letter of credit of mine was
stolen last night. I had a tussle in the room, and was rather getting
the best of it. The thug slipped suddenly away. Probably hid the
letter in his loin-cloth."

"That's unfortunate."

"In a way. Ten thousand pounds."

"Good lord!"

"I have sent out a general stop-order. No one will be able to draw
against it. The sum will create suspicion anywhere."

"Have you any idea who was back of the thief? Is there any way I can
be of service to you?"

"Yes. I'll make you temporary trustee. I've offered two hundred
pounds for the recovery, and I'll leave that amount with you before I
go."

"And if the letter turns up?"

"Send it direct to the Andes people. After a lapse of a few weeks the
Bank of Burma will reissue the letter. It will simmer down to a matter
of inconvenience. The offer of two hundred is honestly made, but only
to learn if my suspicions are correct."

"Then you suspect some one?" quickly.

"I really suspect Mallow and a gambler named Craig, but no court would
hold them upon the evidence I have. It's my belief that it's a
practical joke which measures up to the man who perpetrated it. He
must certainly realize that a letter so large will be eagerly watched
for."

"I shall gladly take charge of the matter here for you. I suppose that
you will eventually meet Mallow?"

"Eventually suggests a long time," grimly.

"Ah . . . Is there . . . Do you think there will be any need of a
watch-holder?"

"I honestly believe you would like to see me have it out with him!"

"I honestly would. But unfortunately the dignity of my office forbids.
He has gone up and down the Settlements, bragging and domineering and
fighting. I have been given to understand that he has never met his
match."

"It's a long lane that has no turning. After all," Warrington added,
letting go his reserve; "you're the only friend I have. Why shouldn't
I tell you that immediately I am going out in search of him, and that
when I find him I am going to give him the worst walloping he e