The one glance I had gave me the impression that the document was nothing of the kind, but quite innocent, affecting trade only; yet that wasn't my business.

I had to send it to the Foreign Secretary, who wanted to know its precise nature, and whether England was being deceived.

In place of the treaty I slipped into its pigeon-hole a document I'd brought with me--just like the real thing.

No one opening the safe on other business would suspect the change that had been made.

My hope was to get the treaty back before it should be missed.