"It is very evident that they do not intend to starve me," I said to myself as I drew up my chair. "If ever I get out of this mess, what a tale I shall have to tell! Last night the guest of the Countess de Venetza at Wiltshire House: to-night the guest of----well, of whom? Can it be possible that this is the head-quarters of a secret society, and that my unfortunate friends are concealed in it?" This should have afforded me food for reflection, but, strangely enough, it did not interfere with my enjoyment of the meal. I could not remember ever to have tasted so delicious a bird. Never before had I drunk champagne with such a keen appreciation of its delicacy. When at last I put down my knife and fork I was a different man, and was able to look my affairs in the face with a greater amount of equanimity than I had yet felt. By this time night was drawing in and very soon it would be dark. I accordingly rang my bell in order that the table might be cleared. The summons was answered with a sufficient promptness to suggest the idea that the man who had brought the meal to me had been waiting outside. "I trust his dinner has been to Monsieur's satisfaction," he said, as he placed the various articles upon the tray. "Upon that score I have no fault to find," I replied. "And now perhaps you will be kind enough to let me have a little talk with you?" "It will give me the greatest pleasure to talk with Monsieur, provided he does not touch upon forbidden subjects," he answered. "Should he do that, my lips will be immediately sealed." "I have yet to find out what those forbidden subjects are," I said, affecting a coolness I was far from feeling. "I presume you mean with regard to my detention here?" "Exactly," he replied. "It is with regard to the reason for the detention of Monsieur that I am unable to speak with him." "I know how I got here," I returned. "What I want to know is, who brought me, and what is to be done with me?" He only shook his head. "My lips are sealed. I must beg that Monsieur will put no further questions to me upon this matter." Seeing that it was useless to do so, I complied with his request, contenting myself by asking him if it would be possible to procure me a lamp and a book. He replied to the effect that it would give him the greatest pleasure, and once more left the room, as usual taking care to lock the door behind him. Presently he returned, carrying a lamp in one hand, and in the other half a dozen books, which he placed upon the table. "I fear our stock of literature is not extensive," he said. "Doubtless, however, Monsieur will find something here to interest him. Should he require anything further, perhaps he will ring the bell. Our desire, as I said before, is to do all that we can to ensure Monsieur's comfort." "But not his happiness," I replied; "otherwise he would scarcely be here." "Once more I must remind Monsieur that we are treading upon dangerous ground," he said.