“You further said that it was absolutely impossible to reveal any details of the scheme to me, as, should anyone know of the matter besides yourself, discovery would be inevitable. “In fact, you declared that it was the most difficult, and at the same time the boldest, piece of work that you had ever attempted.” Patmore stopped abruptly in his recitation. “And that, gentlemen,” said Melun, nodding towards the men, “is absolutely true. “It is also true,” he continued, “that to win this vast amount of money it was necessary to lay out a certain amount of capital. I hadn't the money on hand, and it was inadvisable to approach the usual sources. “I trusted”—and there was an increased bitterness in his voice—“I trusted this man Robinson. “But, would you believe me, gentlemen, I have just discovered that he is not Robinson at all, nor Smith, nor Jones—nor anyone, indeed, of small importance in this world? “Now, gentlemen, it would be inadvisable at this moment to tell you precisely who he is, but one thing I may tell you, and that is that he is a gentleman of title, and a man of wealth and position.” The men turned their wondering gaze on Westerham. “Now, for what purpose do you suppose that a man of title, of wealth and position is mixing himself up with our affairs?” Melun paused for a few minutes, and watched with satisfaction intelligence dawn on the stupid, brutal faces before him, which stared first at himself in amazement, and then gloomily and savagely at Westerham. Westerham, however, to their further astonishment, was laughing quietly, his teeth bared in quite an amused and pleasant smile. “Now, gentlemen,” Melun continued, “it is one of our unbreakable rules that all traitors must die. Therefore, anyone who is likely to betray us must die also. “From what I know of this man,” he went on, “he will be too proud to purchase his freedom. In short, not to put too fine a point on it, we cannot bleed him, though his wealth is enormous. I fancy it runs into millions.” Little cries of wonderment and anger broke from the glowering men round the table. Westerham laughed aloud. “In fact,” cried Melun, “though I much regret the necessity of having to take such a step, I am afraid this gentleman's last hour has arrived. “His death,” he added quietly, “will be carried out by the usual means.” Crow started eagerly from his chair. “Is it to be done at once?” he asked. “At once,” said Melun. All this time, though he had laughed now and again and never ceased to smile a bold, amused smile, Westerham's quick brain was taking in every word and watching for some means of deliverance. He saw that he was in an extremely tight corner, but he did not doubt his ability to find a way out. The two men who were acting as his warders suddenly seized his hands, and before he quite realised his position Westerham found himself handcuffed. Still, however, he made no resistance.