“That is one reason,” was the reply. “The document relates to a secret compact between several European powers and in a measure has a bearing upon their relations with this country.” “I see,” Nick nodded. “It bears the signatures of no less than five foreign ambassadors now in Washington, all of whom are pledged to secrecy in regard to the matter. None would believe for a moment that this compact is even suspected by any American statesman or diplomat, and much less that the existence of the document mentioned is positively known.” “I follow you.” “The discovery of the fact might precipitate complications of a very grave and threatening nature,” Senator Barclay added. “I can safely assert, however, that I am the only American who, with one exception, knows anything about the document--aside from the knave into whose hands it has fallen.” “Let me know the exact facts,” said Nick. “Who is the one exception who knows about the document?” “The woman I have mentioned.” “How did you learn about it?” “The woman informed me.” “How did she become informed?” Senator Barclay hesitated for a moment, gazing intently at the earnest face of the famous detective. “I am going to confide in you, Nick, as I would in no other man on earth,” he said impressively. “The woman whose name I will presently mention is the wife of one of the European ambassadors whose signatures are on the document. He is without exception the most influential and illustrious diplomat now in this country.” “You must refer, then, to Sir Edward Deland.” “Yes.” “I have met him,” said Nick. “He was married here only a year ago. His wife, who is many years younger than he, was a wealthy American girl.” “From which,” said Senator Barclay; “has evolved the terrible situation in which we now are placed.” “You and Lady Deland?” “Yes.” “Explain,” said Nick. “I don’t quite get you.” Senator Barclay proceeded to do so. Drawing forward in his chair, he said, even more gravely: “Something like ten days ago, Nick, for no other reason than that I had apprehended something of the kind, I began to suspect the frame-up of the secret compact mentioned, and that a document to that effect already existed. Naturally, of course, I knew that Sir Edward Deland would be one of the chief figures in it.” “Quite likely, of course,” bowed Nick. “I had occasion three days ago to visit the Deland residence in company with my daughter, who long has been an intimate friend of Lady Deland. I found an opportunity to hint to the latter that she perhaps knew something of the matter I had on my mind, and that it would become a true-blue American girl to confidentially inform me of anything that might possibly be a menace to our country.” “I see,” Nick remarked, suppressing an inclination to criticize. “What did she say to that?”