"I have discovered that Colombia is inciting Panama to revolt. We are not too well liked down there as it is. I have also discovered that Japan will take a hand in the game. The Island of Gorgona, in the Pacific, which belongs to a wealthy Colombian, has a magnificent harbor--the Harbor of Trinidad--and it has been offered to the latter nation as a coaling station. Japan does not have to appeal to European nations to finance a war; the South Americans will provide funds. They are jealous of our growing prestige, our increasing commerce, and fear our colonization. We reached out and grasped Panama, and they think we are casting covetous glances at Mexico and other countries to the South. Japan has also been guaranteed the Philippines. "I induced Douglas Hunter, attaché of the American Embassy at Tokio, to make certain investigations. I expect to see him to-morrow, and, if he has discovered anything of material value, I will bring him with me to the State Department at once. "In making these researches I find perfidy and dishonor exists in an astounding quarter. Government secrets are being betrayed by a paid spy and traitor--Dana Thornton----" A chair was dashed aside, and, before anyone could move, Colonel Thornton had thrown open the hall door and disappeared. So totally unexpected was the _dénouement_ that the others sat too stunned to move, and that moment's respite gave Thornton his chance. The roar of a motor broke the spell, and the men, galvanized into sudden action, raced to the front door, only in time to see Eleanor's powerful car, far down the street, with Colonel Thornton at the wheel. He turned the machine into Wisconsin Avenue and disappeared. CHAPTER XXII THE PURSUIT "Take my car!" called the Secretary of State, as Brett and Douglas started up the street on a run. They turned and rejoined the Secretary as the latter's chauffeur, attracted by the disturbance, hastened out of the garden, where he had gone to get a glass of water. The three men sprang into the machine, and in a few seconds were off. They swung into Wisconsin Avenue and sped on up that thoroughfare. The avenue was almost deserted at that hour, and the Sunday quiet was only broken by the whirr of their car as it gained headway. Far in the distance they could descry Thornton's motor, and, in obedience to Brett's order, the chauffeur increased his speed.