The Spectator., 1916-05-26
CHAPTER XXI.
A Packet of Papers.


 NO" said Jones.
 Would it have given our affairs serious turn if it had fallen into alien hands?'
 Decidedly" answered Jones. 'It would mean flight for the Black Hun dred or a long time under cover, if our friend Braine learned that Russia was now taking an active interest in the doings of the Black Hundred. And eventually all our work would have to be done over again.
 "Ah,"
 You look a bit mussed up. Any thing happened?" asked the keen-eyed butler
 Nothing much. I made cigarette out of the letter and smoked it.'
 Jones chuckled. T see that you have had an adventure of some sort; but 1t can wait.'
 "It can"
 Because I want you to pack off to Washington"
 Washington
 Yes. l want you to interview those officials who are most familiar with the extradition laws"
 "A new kink?"
 What I wish to learn Is this: Can man, formerly undesirable, take out naturalization papers and hold to the protection of the United States gov ernment? That is to say, a poisoner, menaced by Siberia, becomes an Am erIcan citizen. He is abducted and carried back to Russia. Could he look to this government for protection? That Is what I want you to find out" That will be easy. When shall I start?"
 "As soon as you can pack your grip.''
 That's always packed" replied the reporter. You see, I'm eternally shunted hither and yon, at moments notice, so I always have an extra grip packed for quick travel"
 The Russian agent wants Braine. Vroon, and the countess; and tonight I'm going to try to point them out to him. It would satisfy me more than anything I know to eliminate this precious trio in Russian fashion. It's thorough: and once accomplished, good-day to the Black Hundred in Am erica. The organization in Russia has still some political significance, but on this side of the water it is merely an aggregation Of merciless thugs"
 "rll take the first train out. But you will tell Florence?"
 Surely"
 And take care of your own heels. You were watched at the hotel"
 T know 1t; but the watcher could learn nothing. Henri Servan as name will suggest nothing to the fool who followed me. Besides. We both knew that he was trying to peek through the keyhole. That hotel, you know, still retains the old-fashioned key holes."
 ITO keep the maids in good humor, suppose" laughed Jim. Well. must be on my way to make that flyer" The two shook hands and Jim hur- ried off The butler watched him till he disappeared down the subway
 Hes a good lad he murmured. "and brave lad: and money is only an incident in human affairs after all. I'll be q good angel and let the two be happy, since they love each other and have proved it in thousand ways"
 Meanwhile the Russian agent settled down before his writing portfolio; and once or twice as he wrote he thought Ea No doubt this butler of Hargreave's had been watched and followed. By and by he rose, drew his revolver and tiptoed to the door obliquely so that the watcher outside might not become aware of his approach. Swiftly he swung back the door and the member of the Black Hundred stumbled into the room. Almost instantly the Rus sian caught him by the collar and held him up. What were you doing outside my door?" The man did not answer He was trying to collect his thoughts. "A spy of some sort, eh?" I'm a detective" said the man | finally. thinking he saw his way clear.
  And what did you expect to learn | by looking through the keyhoie of my | door?"
 Servan laughed. Show me your badge of authority"
 The man fumbled in his upper | pocket. Eoping against hope that the | muzzle of the revolver would waver. You're an ordinary thief" declared | the Russian; "and as such l shall instantly hand you over to the hotel authorities unless you tell me exactly who and what you are"
 The mar remained dumb. He hung between the devil and the deep sea. IT he told the truth the organization would soon learn the truth; if he kept still hc would be lodged In jail, per haps indefinitely. for he hadn't say-