“Is it not almost time,” Dominey enquired, “that the way was made a little clearer for me?” “That would have been my task this morning,” Seaman replied, “but for the news I bring. In passing, however, let me promise you this. You will never be asked to stoop to the crooked ways of the ordinary spy. We want you for a different purpose.” “And the news?” “What must be the greatest desire in your heart,” Seaman said solemnly, “is to be granted. The Kaiser has expressed a desire to see you, to give you his instructions in person.” Dominey stopped short upon the terrace. He withdrew his arm from his companion's and stared at him blankly. “The Kaiser?” he exclaimed. “You mean that I am to go to Germany?” “We shall start at once,” Seaman replied. “Personally, I do not consider the proceeding discreet or necessary. It has been decided upon, however, without consulting me.” “I consider it suicidal,” Dominey protested. “What explanation can I possibly make for going to Germany, of all countries in the world, before I have had time to settle down here?” “That of itself will not be difficult,” his companion pointed out. “Many of the mines in which a share has been bought in your name are being run with German capital. It is easy to imagine that a crisis has arisen in the management of one of them. We require the votes of our fellow shareholders. You need not trouble your head about that. And think of the wonder of it! If only for a single day your sentence of banishment is lifted. You will breathe the air of the Fatherland once more.” “It will be wonderful,” Dominey muttered. “It will be for you,” Seaman promised, “a breath of the things that are to come. And now, action. How I love action! That time-table, my friend, and your chauffeur.” It was arranged that the two men should leave during the morning for Norwich by motor-car and thence to Harwich. Dominey, having changed into travelling clothes, sent a messenger for Mrs. Unthank, who came to him presently in his study. He held out a chair to her, which she declined, however, to take. “Mrs. Unthank,” he said, “I should like to know why you have been content to remain my wife's attendant for the last ten years?” Mrs. Unthank was startled by the suddenness of the attack. “Lady Dominey has needed me,” she answered, after a moment's pause. “Do you consider,” he asked, “that you have been the best possible companion for her?” “She has never been willing to accept any other,” the woman replied. “Are you very devoted to my wife?” he enquired. Mrs. Unthank, grim and fierce though she was and appeared to be, was obviously disconcerted by Dominey's line of questions. “If I weren't,” she demanded, “should I have been here all these years?”