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 *crosses it against my will. Do not mistake me; I don't speak at random, nor am I uttering a mere empty boast. I am stating a plain fact. And the power which I wield you can share, if you will."

It was skilfully turned and cleverly put, and for the moment I was silent.

"The web is wide, the meshes hard to break, Count; and I brought you here that you might see how wide and how hard. You were right just now in that shrewd guess of yours—I did bring you here. First, for that little dramatic test of your courage; next, that you should see for yourself the glorious woman in whose cause we fight; and lastly, that you should understand the obstacles that lie in the path of those who would oppose us. You say you seek a career. Well" He paused here and looked most keenly at me as he added, "Englishmen have done the same before"

I could not repress a start of surprise at the thrust, and he stopped to enjoy it.

"Yes, Englishmen—and Roumanians. But it is very rare for a Roumanian to combine the qualities which distinguish you, Count Benderoff. You perhaps know the English. If I mistake not, your father was an Englishman, and you may have met a certain Hon. Gerald Winthrop. I have such a man in my mind when I speak to you."

I sat gnawing my lip, my brows knitted in thought, and had no reply, while he looked at me with a smile at my evident consternation.

Then he gave a sudden and unexpected turn to the matter.

Pushing his chair back, he rose, and said in a frank and apparently friendly tone: