He chuckled as he thought how admirably his scheme had worked out. He had hinted at Kenneth being heavily short in this street, which at once explained a motive for Kenneth diverting the stones to his own use. Yes, he had triumphed over them all--except one. Helen Traynor, so far, had foiled him in everything, and the more she resisted and insulted him, the more determined he was to drag her at his feet. Handsome, poor devil, fondly imagined he would inherit the wife as well as the fortune. How could he guess that he, Keralio, would send a bogus telegram just in time to dash the cup from his lips. Impatiently he strode up and down the rooms. Why was Handsome late? A frown darkened his face. He had better not trifle with him. He must obey without question or take the consequences. He was in no mood to be defied. Suddenly, he started and listened. His alert ear had caught the sound of approaching footsteps on the stairs outside. A moment later came three deliberate knocks on the door, a signal which indicated a friendly visitor. Quickly, Keralio went forward and withdrew the bolt. Francois entered, suit case in hand. Hardly before he could take breath after the long climb, Keralio exclaimed: "Well, how are they going?" The Frenchman grinned. "_A merveille_! Like hot cakes. I've passed all of zem. Good work, is it not?" "And the real stuff?" demanded Keralio. "Is in here." The valet pointed to the leather case. Eagerly Keralio seized the portmanteau, and, opening it, emptied the contents. A perfect shower of greenbacks--genuine ones this time--fell upon the floor. With shaking hands, like a miser who trembles as he handles his hoarded gold, Keralio picked up the money by armfuls and, taking it to a table, proceeded to count it. "Is it all here?" he demanded suspiciously. The valet scowled. "Do you think I'm holding any back on you? _Ma foi, non_!" Keralio, still counting, fixed his assistant with steely, piercing eyes. "No, Francois, I think you know me too well for that. You know I never forget a service; you also know I never forgive anyone who crosses my will." The valet shrugged his shoulders. In an injured tone he asked: "What's all ze talk about? I work well for you. I do your dirty work, _n'est ce pas_? I never complain--I am faithful. What more would you have?" "Why should you complain? You get your share," rejoined his chief sternly. The valet was silent and Keralio went on: "A few days more and we'll be rid of all the new stuff. Then we'll take down the presses and carry away the parts, piece by piece. When we're ready to leave this hole, there won't be a shred of evidence left. Have you heard any news from our man in Washington? What are the secret service men doing?" "Ze alarm is given. Zey have spotted several of ze bills. Half a dozen of ze cleverest sleuths in ze country have been put on our trail. Zey will not succeed. Ze scent is cold. We've got zem completely doped."