“Repair, eh!” he muttered under his black mustache when she had gone, “if you’ll consult the past, Milady, you’ll find that when I’ve finished with those who cross my path, there’s little left to repair! Your suggestion is good, though, Milady! You certainly are a born _intrigante_. An excellent suggestion, indeed! And I’ll lose no time in carrying it out!” CHAPTER XVII WHEN GREEK MEETS GREEK A last, lingering pressure of the hand, a hasty exit from the ball-room and Captain Mortimer hurried back to his post of duty. He reached the corridor, returned the salutes of the three sentinels as he passed, and went into the antechamber. He stopped for several minutes’ conversation with Captain Swords and then made his way to the first door of the Chancellerie suite. A light tap and the door was opened by Kearns. “Back in good time, I hope!” whispered the Captain. “In plenty of time,” Kearns whispered in return, as he hastily closed the door. “I’m glad you went. It’s not very interesting sitting here in the dark, without even the privilege of a comforting cigar. Still, I’ve had a few experiences of the kind before.” Captain Mortimer removed his sword and stored it away in the air-ship. It was a strict military regulation that officers should appear abroad only in uniform and wearing their swords. “I’d suggest,” he said as he took his seat beside them, “that it might help pass the time if Mr. Kearns would tell us some of the many interesting experiences he doubtless had in his time. The darkness here will lend an additional thrill. What say you, Professor?” “We’ll get enough thrills before we’re through with this adventure, provided our friend Kearns’ theory is correct,” replied the Professor dryly; “still, if he’ll tell a story, I’ll be glad to listen.” “No, no;” protested Kearns; “all my interest is centered in that park and in watching for what may come from over those tree-tops. Ah, listen!” As he spoke there came three faint, but distinct, taps on the door; then a pause, followed by four similar taps. It was the agreed signal which Captain Swords was to give when the King retired. “From now on we may expect something,” remarked the Professor. “Interesting but scientifically inaccurate,” retorted Kearns. “Before long we may expect, but not just yet. You must allow for some time after the retirement of the King before you can expect any manifestations. It’s now fully an hour earlier than the time of the preceding visit.” “Quite so,” replied the Professor; “still I’ll wager, for all that, you wouldn’t care to have us go to sleep during the next hour.” “Right you are,” assented Kearns; “one can never be quite sure what may happen. Those fellows, whoever they may be, seem to know pretty well what takes place in the palace. They doubtless have a confederate, or confederates, on the inside.” “You think so?” said Captain Mortimer. “Have you made any efforts to discover?”