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152 led to no result of, shall I say, a tangible character, at least I feel sure that you must have realized one thing.”

Harley stared at him sternly.

“I have realized, Colonel Menendez,” he replied, “that something is pending.”

“Ah!” murmured the Colonel, and he clutched the edge of the table with his strong brown hands.

“But,” continued my friend, “I have realized something more. You have asked for my aid, and I am here. Now you have deliberately tied my hands.”

“What do you mean, sir?” asked the other, softly.

“I will speak plainly. I mean that you know more about the nature of this danger than you have ever communicated to me. Allow me to proceed, if you please, Colonel Menendez. For your delightful hospitality I thank you. As your guest I could be happy, but as a professional investigator whose services have been called upon under most unusual circumstances, I cannot be happy and I do not thank you.”

Their glances met. Both were angry, wilful, and self-confident. Following a few moments of silence:

“Perhaps, Mr. Harley,” said the Colonel, “you have something further to say?”

“I have this to say,” was the answer: “I esteem your friendship, but I fear I must return to town without delay.”

The Colonel’s jaws were clenched so tightly that I could see the muscles protruding. He was fighting an inward battle; then:

“What!” he said, “you would desert me?”

“I never deserted any man who sought my aid.”

“I have sought your aid.”

“Then accept it!” cried Harley. “This, or allow