"I should think it highly probable, sir," was Sage's response. "And what are we to say?" demanded Mr. Llewellyn John. He was a keen politician, and saw that the situation might be fraught with considerable difficulties. "Acknowledge that they are, sir," was the response. "Acknowledge it!" cried Mr. Llewellyn John. "Certainly, sir." "Mr. Sage," said Mr. Llewellyn John severely, "you do not appear to appreciate that this may seriously compromise the Government." Then turning to Colonel Walton he continued: "Hitherto you have been given a free hand, now I must ask you to explain why you are offering these large rewards. You first of all suggested L1,000, rising daily from L1,000 to L10,000. In two days it has amounted to L20,000." "It won't rise any higher, sir. It has reached the limit." "That is not the point," said Mr. Llewellyn John. "I want to know why it is that you are advertising to Germany that we want John Dene. It is an obvious confession of weakness." He made a quick nervous movement with his right hand, he was far from easy in his mind. Malcolm Sage continued to examine his finger-nails with great intentness. Seeing that he made no indication of replying, Mr. Llewellyn John continued: "I'm afraid that this cannot go on." There was a suggestion of irritability in his voice. "Then have it stopped, sir," said Sage calmly, still intent upon the finger-nails of his right hand. "The mischief is done," said Mr. Llewellyn John. "What is at the back of your mind, Sage?" he demanded. "I'm working on a hypothesis, sir," was the reply. "I think I'm right, in fact I'm convinced of it; but until I know for certain, I must keep my theories to myself. If you wish it, I'll tell you what I actually know; but I make it a rule never to air theories." Mr. Llewellyn John smiled. "Well, tell me what you actually know then," he said. "When Mr. Dene left his office at three minutes past six on Monday evening, he stood for nearly a minute, as if making up his mind in what direction to go. Just as he was about to turn and walk up Regent Street a taxi crawled past him. The driver spoke to him and John Dene got in and drove away." "Kidnapped!" exclaimed Mr. Llewellyn John. Malcolm Sage shrugged his shoulders. "In which direction did he drive?" enquired Mr. Llewellyn John eagerly. "Along Pall Mall, sir," was the reply. "Colonel Walton told you what happened?" Mr. Llewellyn John nodded. "And have you informed the police?" he asked. Malcolm Sage shook his head. "Why?" enquired Mr. Llewellyn John eagerly. "If my theory is right," said Sage, "it's unnecessary. If my theory's wrong, it's useless. Believe me, sir, our best course is to continue to boom John Dene's disappearance for all we are worth." "But the _Destroyer_!" exclaimed Mr. Llewellyn John excitedly. "You know the conditions, sir, that the island of Auchinlech was to be left severely alone for four months."