“Let us suppose that I know then.  Proceed.”

“Your name was given to me as that of a man who can be trusted to take necessary action in the interests of ... er ... you understand?”

“Uh-huh!”

“The plot for Feisul to be kidnapped by some Syrian members of his staff has been discovered at the last minute,” I said, looking hard at him; and he winced palpably.

“Mon Dieu!  You mean—­”

“That it is not too late to save the situation.  You have not been accused of connection with it.  I came here in pursuance of a different plan to kidnap him—­a sort of reserve plan, to be employed in case other means should fail.  All arrangements are in working order except the one item of communicating with the French General Staff.  I require you to accompany me for that purpose, and to send off to them immediately a message at my dictation.”

“Tschaa!  Suppose you show me your authority?”

“Certainly!” I answered.

Realizing that he wasn’t in immediate danger of life he had returned his own pistol to his pocket.  So I showed him the muzzle of mine, and he divined without a sermon on the subject that it would go off and shoot accurately unless he showed discretion.  He didn’t offer to move when Jeremy’s agile fingers found his pocket and flicked out the mother-of-pearl-handled, rim-fire thing with which he had previously kept his courage warm.

“I was told not to trust you too far,” I explained.  “I was warned in advance that you might question my credentials.  You are said to be jealous of interference.  As a precaution against miscarriage of this plan through jealousy on your part, I was ordered to oblige you to obey me.”

“And if I refuse?”

“Your widow will then be the individual most concerned.  Be good enough to take pen and paper, and write a letter to my dictation.”

Jeremy went to the door, which was partly open, made sure that the servant was out of earshot, and slammed it tight.  Rene the banker went to his escritoire, took paper, and shook his fountain pen.

“How shall I commence the letter?” he asked me with a dry, sly smile.

He thought he had me there.  There are doubtless proper forms of address that serve to establish the genuineness of letters written by a spy.

“Commence half-way down the page,” I answered.  “We’ll insert the address afterwards.  Write in French:” 

“I shall accompany the Emir Feisul and Colonel Lawrence to the front tonight, former plan having miscarried.  When Syrian retreat begins look out for automobile containing Feisul and Lawrence, which may be recognized easily as it will also contain myself and another civilian in plain clothes.  At the psychological moment a white flag will be shown from it, waved perhaps surreptitiously by one of the civilians.  In the event of breakdown of the automobile a horsed vehicle will be used and the same signal will apply.  For the sake of myself and the other civilian, please instruct all officers to keep a sharp lookout and protect the party from being fired on.”