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news, and his manner, confirmed me in the idea which I had formed. It was that the business before us was immediate; Pete and I had stumbled upon no mere plan and project but upon an enterprize nearly prepared. Bane lacked, or at least he could employ, a couple more pilots; he might make use of Pete and me; but not if it required time to turn us to his purposes.

Time, obviously, pressed him; it was a rebellious element which he could not control. He wanted to take time, now, to indulge himself in personal punishment of us; but time defied him. There was a touch, too, of authority from headquarters, whoever and wherever they were. So he contented himself with escorting us to the terrace.

The men had left the luncheon table; they were in the house where, as I soon was given to understand, Pete must remain.

"Logan does not go with us; nor your