CHAPTER XXI Jim said nothing at first about his adventure to Jones, whom he met half an hour later. "Was it necessary to keep that invisible letter?" he asked. "No," said Jones. "Would it have given our affairs a serious turn if it had fallen into alien hands?" "Decidedly," answered Jones. "It would mean flight for the Black Hundred or a long time under cover, if our friend Braine learned that Russia was now taking an active interest in the doings of the Black Hundred. And eventually all our work would have to be done over again." "Ah!" "You look a bit mussed up. Anything happened?" asked the keen-eyed butler. "Nothing much. I made a cigarette out of the letter and smoked it." Jones chuckled. "I see that you have had an adventure of some sort; but it can wait." "It can." "Because I want you to pack off to Washington." "Washington?" "Yes. I want you to interview those officials who are most familiar with the extradition laws." "A new kink?" "What I wish to learn is this: Can a man, formerly undesirable, take out naturalization papers and hold to the protection of the United States government? That is to say, a poisoner, menaced by Siberia, becomes an American citizen. He is abducted and carried back to Russia. Could he look to this government for protection? That is what I want you to find out?" "That will be easy. When shall I start?" "As soon as you can pack your grip." "That's always packed," replied the reporter. "You see, I'm eternally shunted hither and yon, at a moment's notice, so I always have an extra grip packed for quick travel." "The Russian agent wants Braine, Vroon, and the countess; and to-night I'm going to try to point them out to him. It would satisfy me more than anything I know to eliminate this precious trio in Russian fashion. It's thorough; and once accomplished, good day to the Black Hundred in America. The organization in Russia has still some political significance, but on this side of the water it is merely an aggregation of merciless thugs." "I'll take the first train out. But you will tell Florence?" "Surely." "And take care of your own heels. You were watched at the hotel." "I know it; but the watcher could learn nothing. Henri Servan as a name will suggest nothing to the fool who followed me. Besides we both knew that he was trying to peek through the keyhole. That hotel, you know, still retains the old-fashioned keyholes." "To keep the maids in good humor, I suppose," laughed Jim. "Well, I must be on my way to make that flyer." The two shook hands and Jim hurried off. The butler watched him till he disappeared down the subway. "He's a good lad," he murmured, "and a brave lad; and money is only an incident in human affairs after all. I'll be a good angel and let the two be happy, since they love each other and have proved it in a thousand ways."