The Secretary drew his chief on one side.
"This man has just arrived from Paris, sir," he continued, "and is the bearer of a letter which he is instructed to deliver into your hands only." Bransome nodded.
"Is he known to us at all ?" he asked.

"From whom does the letter come ?" The young man hesitated.
"The letter itself, sir, has nothing to do with France, I imagine," he said.

"The person I refer to is an American, and although I have no positive information, I believe that he is sometimes intrusted with the carrying of despatches from Washington to his Embassy.

Once or twice lately I have had it reported to me that communications from the other side to Mr.Harvey have been sent by hand.

It seems as though they had some objection to committing important documents to the post." Bransome walked through the crowded rooms by the side of his secretary, stopping for a moment to exchange greetings here and there with his friends.