I learn that Monsieur Durand, distressed by the delay in affairs in America, will soon join you--is even now aboard the _Tacoma_, bound for New York.

I am profoundly grateful for this, dear Monsieur, as it gives me an opportunity to conclude our interesting business in republican territory without prejudice to any of the parties chiefly concerned.
"You are a clever and daring rogue, yet at times you strike me as immensely dull, Monsieur.

Ponder this: should it seem expedient for me to establish my identity--which I am sure interests you greatly--before Baron von Marhof, and, we will add, the American Secretary of State, be quite sure that I shall not do so until I have taken precautions against your departure in any unseemly haste.

I, myself, dear friend, am not without a certain facility in setting traps." * * * * * Armitage threw down the pen and read what he had written with care.

Then he wrote as signature the initials F.A., inclosed the note in an envelope and addressed it, pondered again, laughed and slapped his knee and went into his room, where he rummaged about until he found a small seal beautifully wrought in bronze and a bit of wax.