“Which corroborates my theory,” he said, softly; “for _I_ had seen it elsewhere.” “Where do you mean, Harley?” “In the face of Madame de Stämer.” “What?” “Knox”--Harley rested his hand upon my arm and looked about him cautiously--“_she knows._” “But knows what?” “That is the question which we are here to answer, but I am as sure as it is humanly possible to be sure of anything that whatever Colonel Menendez may tell us to-night, one point at least he will withhold.” “What do you expect him to withhold?” “The meaning of the sign of the Bat Wing.” “Then you think he knows its meaning?” “He has told us that it is the death-token of Voodoo.” I stared at Harley in perplexity. “Then you believe his explanation to be false?” “Not necessarily, Knox. It may be what he claims for it. But he is keeping something back. He speaks all the time from behind a barrier which he, himself, has deliberately erected against me.” “I cannot understand why he should do so,” I declared, as he looked at me steadily. “Within the last few moments I have become definitely convinced that his appeal to you was no idle one. Therefore, why should he not offer you every aid in his power?” “Why, indeed?” muttered Harley. “The same thing,” I continued, “applies to Madame de Stämer. If ever I have seen love-light in a woman’s eyes I have seen it in hers, to-day, whenever her glance has rested upon Colonel Menendez. Harley, I believe she literally worships the ground he walks upon.” “She does, she does!” cried my companion, and emphasized the words with beats of his clenched fist. “It is utterly, damnably mystifying. But I tell you, she knows, Knox, she knows!” “You mean she knows that he is a doomed man?” Harley nodded rapidly. “They both know,” he replied; “but there is something which they dare not divulge.” He glanced at me swiftly, and his bronzed face wore a peculiar expression. “Have you had an opportunity of any private conversation with Miss Val Beverley?” he enquired. “Yes,” I said. “Surely you remember that you found me chatting with her when you returned from your inspection of the tower.” “I remember perfectly well, but I thought you might have just met. Now it appears to me, Knox, that you have quickly established yourself in the good books of a very charming girl. My only reason for visiting the tower was to afford you just this opportunity! Don’t frown. Beyond reminding you of the fact that she has been on intimate terms with Madame de Stämer for some years, I will not intrude in any way upon your private plans in that direction.” I stared at him, and I suppose my expression was an angry one. “Surely you don’t misunderstand me?” he said. “A cultured English girl of that type cannot possibly have lived with these people without learning something of the matters which are puzzling us so badly. Am I asking too much?” “I see what you mean,” I said, slowly. “No, I suppose you are right, Harley.”