"What do you think of the idea?" Lanning asked. "I should have our Embassy there behind me, and I should probably manage to get in touch with the men who are active in Silesia's secret service. I mentioned it to my chief this morning, and he thought there was a great deal in it, but advised a consultation with you first." "I think it is a good idea," said Quarles, "and it suggests another one. I am still a little doubtful about Mademoiselle Duplaix, and I have a strong impression that she could at least tell us more if she would, but that she is afraid of hurting you." "It is most unlikely." "Well, let me put it to the test, Mr. Lanning. Just write--let me see, how will it be best to word it? 'I am going to Silesia--' By the way, when will you go?" "I thought to-night." "It is as well not to waste time," said Quarles. "Then write, 'I am going to Silesia to-night. I want you to be perfectly open with the bearer of this note and do whatever he advises. If you would be a true friend to me, tell him everything.' Put your ordinary signature to it. With that in my possession I will get to work at once, and if I discover anything of importance, and it should be necessary to stop your journey, I will meet your train to-night." "It seems like an impertinence," Lanning said as he wrote the note. "When there is so much at stake I shouldn't let that worry you," said Nixon. No sooner had they gone than Quarles became alert. "Now we move, Wigan. First of all, we have an appointment in Kensington, at the Blue Lion, near the church, quite a respectable hostelry." "Not to meet Mademoiselle Duplaix, surely?" "No, she can wait. Respectable as it is, I do not suppose Mademoiselle frequents the Blue Lion, but we may find there the man who called upon her this morning." We took a taxi to Kensington. Every moment seemed to be bursting with importance for Quarles now. The first person I caught sight of at the Blue Lion was Winbush, evidently waiting for some one. He recognized us, and Quarles went to him. "You are waiting for Mr. Lanning." The man hesitated. "I know," Quarles went on, "because I have just left your master. He is in trouble." "In trouble!" "Oh, we shall get him out of it all right. There is some mistake. _I_ have a message for you. Come inside." We found a corner to ourselves, and the professor, having ordered drinks, showed Winbush the note which Lanning had written to Mademoiselle Duplaix. It was not addressed to her, and was so worded that it might be meant for any one. Winbush read it and looked at Quarles. "While your master is in Silesia I have certain work to do here, and to do it I must have your complete story," said the professor. "You appreciate the fact that Mr. Laiming looks upon you as a friend and wishes you to tell me all you know." "I do, sir, only I don't see how my story is going to help him." "It is going to help us to put our hand on the man who is really guilty."