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 some hidden treachery beyond his fathoming was afoot, he could not doubt that it was spared. He was more than a physical match for the aged evil-doer in front of him, and before the others could be recalled he could make good his retreat into the house by the way he had come. The quiet acceptance of defeat by the bloodthirsty old schemer was a puzzle beyond solution, if it was not a veil for some further villainy.

“You have beaten me, Mr. Forsyth—you and General Sadgrove,” Ziegler went on. “I don’t suppose it’s of any use my offering you a bribe to bring me back the package you have obtained so smartly? I would make it a very large one.”

“Not the slightest use,” Forsyth answered, almost laughing, yet more than ever puzzled by the naïveté of the question. “I have been at considerable pains to deprive you of your bogus bonds, and it is hardly likely, Mr. Ziegler, that I am going to restore your power over the Duke of Beaumanoir. He is a brave man, and doesn’t fear death. You can’t hurt him that way; but with these forgeries in your possession you might make some sort of a story