"I still entertain very grave suspicions regarding that fellow Kennedy. Couldn't you keep Ella away from him? Could not we part them somehow? While they are in love a distinct danger exists. He may learn something at any moment. My information is that he is particularly shrewd at investigations, and he may suspect. If so, then the game might very easily be up." "Bah! Do not anticipate any such _contretemps_. He knows nothing--take that from me. We have nothing whatever to fear in that direction," Drost assured him. "If I thought so I should very soon take steps to part them." "How would you accomplish that?" Theodore Drost's narrow face--broad at the brow and narrow at the chin-- puckered in a smile. "It would not be at all difficult," he said, with a mysterious expression. "I have something upstairs which would very soon effect our purpose and leave no trace--if it were necessary." "But it _is_ necessary," the Count declared. "One day it may be," Drost said. "But not yet." "Your girl is in love with him, and I suppose you think it a pity to-- well, to spoil their romance, even in face of all that Germany has at stake!" remarked the Count, with an undisguised sneer. "Ah, my dear Drost! you pose as a Dutch pastor, but do you not remember our German motto: _Der beste prediger ist der Zeit_?" (Time is the best preacher.) "Yes, yes," replied the old man with the scraggy beard. "But please rely upon my wits. My eyes are open, and I assure you there is nothing whatever at present to fear." "Very well, Drost," Answered the Count. "I submit to your wider knowledge. But now that the girl has gone, we may as well go upstairs-- eh? You've, of course, seen in to-night's paper that Merton Mansfield is to address the munition-makers in the Midlands in a fortnight's time." Old Drost again smiled mysteriously, and said: "I knew that quite a fortnight ago. Schrieber has been north. He returned only last Tuesday." "Did you send him north?" "I did. He went upon a mission. As you know, I am generally well ahead with any plans I make." "Plans! What are they? Really, my dear Theodore, you are a perfect marvel of clever inventiveness!" Ella's father shrugged his shoulders, and in his deep guttural German replied: "I am only doing my duty as a good loyal son of our own Fatherland." "Well spoken," declared the Count. "There is a good and just reward awaiting you after the war, never fear! Our Emperor does not forget services rendered. Let us go upstairs--eh? I am anxious to learn what you suggest."