Rivers' memory was good, and the words of the treaty had burnt themselves on his brain. He recited the terms without hesitation. The minister heard him in silence, making notes. "Thank you, Rivers," he said at the end. "You will please let me have that in writing in time for to-morrow's Cabinet." Then he got up and paced the room. "It is an unfortunate situation. I think we shall be able to meet the political side of it, but the investiture takes place at Windsor to-morrow, and this discovery is, to say the least, embarrassing. However, we have to thank you for being forewarned. You evidently anticipated this move." "I'm afraid not, sir. It was as much luck as anything else on my part." "But you were at Denton House?" "I was there on other business," said Rivers frankly. Lord Ancoats looked grave. "Well, Mr. Rivers," he said, "I will not inquire too closely what that other business was. You have rendered a service to the State which will not be forgotten. Now, what about this?" pointing to the box. "I will see that the Vizier gets it." "At once?" Rivers hesitated. Only then did he remember he now had in his possession what he wanted. He could pay his entrance fee. "I will see that it is at Denton House by the morning," he said. Lord Ancoats watched him intently. "Does the Burglars' Club meet to-night?" he said quietly. "I--I beg your pardon," stammered Rivers. Lord Ancoats laid a kindly hand on his shoulder. "I was only told of that institution within the hour," he said, "and till a moment ago I didn't believe the information. Take my advice, Rivers, and leave it. Its existence, you see, is known to some of the outside world. As a friend I warn you that you will be watched to-night. Don't spoil your career. Why did you leave the Service? Oh, I remember; but you're not satisfied with merely killing time, are you? Will you come back to us? The First Secretaryship at Vienna is vacant. Would you take it?" Rivers' face beamed. "I'd jump at it, my lord." "Then be ready to start in a week. Never mind thanks. I am still your debtor. Now about this box? You might be unable to restore it. We must adopt other means." Lord Ancoats opened the door of an adjoining room with, "Come forward, please." And the little detective whom Rivers had last seen at Denton House that very morning entered briskly. "I believe you have met before?" said Lord Ancoats. Rivers was too astonished to reply. "Yes, I have met James Finny--I beg pardon--Mr. Birket Rivers," said the detective drily. "Mr. Rivers has explained the mystery very satisfactorily, Marvell," said Lord Ancoats. "The box should be restored without delay. Will you do this, please?" Mr. Marvell tried to look pleased, but signally failed in the attempt. "Certainly, my lord," he replied. There was a knock at the door, and a clerk appeared with a card in his hand. "I must leave you now," said the Minister. "Rivers, next week, remember. I am much obliged for your assistance, Mr. Marvell."