“This is a serious matter, General,” reminded the captain. “It doesn’t seem possible that a thing like that could be pulled off under the very eyes of the army. However, if your information is correct, we shall catch the culprit. May I ask you to take an early observation again in the morning, Mrs. Gray?” “I shall be pleased to do so. If I may make a suggestion, I would urge you to discuss nothing of this before the Chinaman. I observed that the general sent him away before we began speaking; else I should not have told you what I have,” said Grace. “You suspect that the Chinese are involved in this? I hadn’t considered that at all.” “No, Captain, I do not--that is, I do not know, but it is well to be cautious. I understand that the Chinese labor battalion was recruited from a very bad element in China. They are great gamblers, as you all know, and for a little money those fellows would go to any lengths. Fertile ground for the Huns, sir.” General Gordon nodded his approval of the sentiment. “Boucher, would it not be well to make contact with a Chinaman and have him watch his fellows?” asked the general. “Afraid we can’t trust them. We shall have to adopt other methods, which we shall do at once.” “Perhaps I may be able to assist you somewhat. I know one of them, and I know that he knows of the flights of the birds. He knows that I saw them; how, I can’t say.” “Who is he?” demanded the Intelligence officer sharply. “I should prefer not to say just now, and I hope you will not press me on that point. I am asking that, believing that I can obtain information from the man better than you can. What I learn from him may not be very definite, but it may be an indication.” [Illustration: Every Eye Was Fixed on Grace Harlowe.] “Better allow Mrs. Gray to operate in her own way, Boucher. That is my advice,” urged the general. Captain Boucher nodded. “We will leave this particular Chinaman to you, Mrs. Gray. When you have any information I trust you will advise me immediately, for moments may be precious. I hope they send out other birds, desiring to have the confirmation of my own eyes.” “Thank you, Captain.” “You have not spoken to any one about what you saw?” questioned the Intelligence officer. “No, sir.” “That is well. Please do not. Pardon me, I am well aware that you are too clever a woman to do that. I may need your assistance in other matters when we get into enemy territory. If I may say so, you would make an excellent secret service agent.” “Thank you, but I have no ambitions in that direction. My great ambition at the moment is to finish with this miserable business and go back to my home in the States with my husband, Captain Gray of the engineers, and my adopted daughter who is now at school in Paris. Believe me, gentlemen, when I do get back I shall be perfectly content to stay at home, even on election day.”