Connie stole in again. "I thought I would leave Thumbwood and Wilson alone," she said. "They have been sitting side by side and whispering to each other ever since we started. Neither of them seems to have the least curiosity as to where we are or where we're going." "How thoughtful of you, dearest! Was that the only reason you came in here!" The rest of the conversation is not a part of this story. It lasted a long time as we droned round great five-mile circles of the upper air. And then a telephone rang at my ear. Danjuro was speaking. The message had been received at Plymouth, and an answer had been coming through for the last ten minutes. He was writing it down, letter by letter, from Gascoigne's dictation. Shortly afterwards he brought it in to me, and as I read it off the world closed round me again and fairyland vanished. Triumph filled my veins and reddened my blood. The message came from Muir Lockhart, who was at Plymouth again, and was one shout of wonder and congratulation. "The whole world will thank you," it concluded. For a little time I was intoxicated by that message. I saw myself a hero, vindicated a thousand times in the eyes of all men, the Chief of Air Police whose name would be historical. I think there are few men of my age who would not have had their moment of vainglory; we are made so. But as I read the message to the man who had brought it, I realized that I had done nothing, after all, and that everything was due to his marvellous brilliancy and courage. Thank Heaven that I realized it without a pang of envy, and I told him what I thought of him in no unstinted way. He heard me to the end with no change of countenance. When I had done, he said: "You have been very kind, Sir John, and I greatly appreciate what you have said. If, indeed, you are indebted to me in any way for the help I have been able to give, you can repay me, if you will." "To the half of my kingdom!" I said, with a laugh, though I was in dead earnest all the same. "That is a promise, Sir John?" He looked down at me with magnetic eyes. "A promise, Danjuro." "Then, while I live, I ask you to say nothing whatever of my part in this affair. I wish it kept as secret as possible; some little part must leak out; there will be investigations, public trials, and so forth. But much can be kept secret, and it rests with you and Thumbwood. And as I have your promise, my mind is at rest." "But this is madness, Danjuro! You are owed the thanks of two continents. You ..." He interrupted me. "I want nothing of the sort. I have had your thanks, and that is sufficient. The work itself is enough. My usefulness to Mr. Van Adams, the endeavour of my whole life, would be destroyed if anything were known." Reluctantly I promised. "But Mr. Van Adams, I shall tell _him_ everything!" I said. Danjuro bowed his head. A faint flush came into his yellow face. "If you think I have done anything worth it," he replied, with a curious and touching silence.