Seeing that the detective made no reply, Manuel turned his back on him with a shrug of contempt, and walked smartly towards the door. There he turned and addressed Leighbourne. "I shall expect repayment of that money within a fortnight," he said coldly. "Otherwise----" "Well," cried the banker defiantly, "otherwise?" "You will have to deal with the society," replied Manuel with grim significance, and disappeared as suddenly as he had entered. The three men left behind looked at one another. "What does he mean by that threat?" asked Leighbourne uneasily. "He means assassination, I fancy," said Torry coolly. "Assassination!" cried Vass, staring up. "You mean----? "Well," said the detective thoughtfully, "of course I may be wrong; but it strikes me that this secret society to which Manuel refers, and of which he apparently is the treasurer, is an association somewhat after the fashion of the Italian Carbonari. That society was founded for patriotic purposes tempered by assassination. Probably Manuel's association is formed to overturn the present Government of his beloved country. To do so funds are needed, and the ten thousand pounds given to Mr. Grent are doubtless the moneys of the society. Failing Mr. Grent, who is dead, the society represented by Manuel will no doubt hold the bank responsible; and if the moneys are not refunded, may attempt to kill those who represent the bank. Stay you, Mr. Leighbourne, and Mr. Vass here." "Bah!" cried Leighbourne, with a forced laugh. "You are trying to frighten us. People don't do such things nowadays." "Don't they?" rejoined Torry drily. "What about the Anarchists? But I'll tell you one thing, gentlemen: whichever one of you is killed, the image of a Blue Mummy will be found beside him." "What?" cried Vass aghast--"do you think that this society you speak of killed Mr. Grent?" "Going by circumstantial evidence, I do." "But for what reason?" "Because I fancy Mr. Grent stole that money, and intended to bolt to America with it." "Impossible!" said Vass. "I tell you I saw the money in the safe after he left." "Well, if he did not take it himself, someone who had the key of the safe must have done so, by his order." The secretary rose with a very red face. "Do you mean to say that I took the money?" "I was not aware that I accused you, Mr. Vass," said Torry. "But you do accuse me. Only Mr. Grent and myself can open that safe, which is in his private room. I swear he did not take the money, and on my oath I declare that I am guiltless. Don't you believe me, sir?" cried Vass, turning appealingly towards Leighbourne. "Yes, I believe you," replied the banker emphatically. "I am sure you never took the money out of the safe."