Douglas took from a cleverly concealed pocket in the lining of his coat a number of sheets of rice paper and handed them to the Secretary, who studied the closely written papers long and intently. Suddenly he pulled open a desk drawer and took out his strong box. "I will keep these papers, Mr. Hunter, for future reference," he announced, unlocking the box and placing the rice papers in it. Then, with equal care, he replaced the box in the drawer, which he locked securely. "We must go slowly in this matter. A slip on our part, and two great nations may become involved in a needless and bloody war." "I realize the gravity of the situation, Mr. Secretary, and have come to you for advice in the matter." "Good. I depend on you not to mention our conversation to anyone, nor do I think it wise to acquaint Brett at this time with your suspicions in regard to the motive for Senator Carew's murder. With all good intentions Brett might blunder and cause international complications." Douglas stroked his clean-shaven chin reflectively for a moment. "Don't you think, Mr. Secretary, that there is danger of being too secretive, and that the guilty party may slip through our fingers?" "It is a risk which we will have to take. Frankly, I think you and Brett are equal to the situation." The Secretary glanced at his watch. "Have you any engagement just now, Mr. Hunter?" "No, sir. My time is at your disposal." The Secretary reached up and touched the electric buzzer hanging above his desk, and in a few seconds his stenographer appeared from another room. "Jones, call up Secretary Wyndham and ask if he can see me," and, as the clerk disappeared to execute his order, he turned back to Douglas. "There are certain charts of the Pacific which I wish you to see; they have been made recently. Well, Jones?" as the clerk reëntered his office. "Secretary Wyndham is expecting you, sir." "Thanks. Now, Mr. Hunter, get your hat, and we will go to the Navy Department." CHAPTER X THE THEFT The Secretary of State and Douglas hastened through the wide corridors of the immense State, War, and Navy Building. As they passed an elevator shaft in the navy wing, Douglas caught a fleeting glimpse of Eleanor Thornton in one of the lifts as it shot downward toward the ground floor. On their arrival they were ushered at once into Secretary Wyndham's private office. "Glad to see you," exclaimed Wyndham, "your call is most opportune"--he stopped on seeing Douglas standing behind the Secretary of State, and his eyebrows went up questioningly. "This is Mr. Douglas Hunter, attaché of the American Embassy at Tokio, Wyndham," explained the Secretary of State. "How are you, sir." The Secretary of the Navy shook hands brusquely. "Will you both be seated?"