“Fear not for me.” cried Berthe Louison, springing up like a tigress in defense of her cubs. “Do you know that his life would be the forfeit of a lifted finger? Do you take me for a blind fool?” she raged. “Do you know the power of gold? Ah, my friend, there are unseen eyes watching my pathway here, and may God have mercy upon any one who practices against me, in secret! Any ‘strange happening’ to me would be fearfully avenged! As for this flinty-hearted brute, he would never even reach that threshold alive, if he dared to threaten! Go! Leave him to me. Come here to-morrow night. I shall have need of your cool brain and your ready wit! My only task was to find him and the girl together.” “And if I am questioned about you? If anything occurs?” persisted Alan Hawke. “Simply ignore my existence; if we meet we are strangers!” gasped Berthe, who had thrown herself on a divan. “Obey me without questioning my motive! Each night you will receive orders for the next day, should I need your secret hand! Go now! I am tired! I must be ready to meet this man!” Alan Hawke had reached the door, but he turned back. “And as to Ram Lal? What shall I do?” The woman’s eyes flashed fire. “Leave him also to me! I will handle him! A few rupees--will serve as his bait. Stay! You say that this Swiss woman, Justine Delande, is sympathetic, and seems to be a worthy person?” She was scanning his impassive face with steely glances now. “She is younger than her sister Euphrosyne,” gravely said Alan Hawke, “and not without some personal attractions. Her older sister adores her. Even this old brute, Johnstone, seems to treat her with great respect and deference.” “There is the only danger to us! Watch that woman! Mingle freely in the Johnstone household,” said Berthe, wearily, “but never cast your eyes toward Nadine. Never even hint to this Swiss governess that you have seen her sister. After they return to Europe it is another thing. Silence and discretion now. Good night. Come to-morrow night at ten o’clock; all will be quiet, and you can steal away from the Club in safety.”