"Consider," resumed Pepys, before the host could think of any suitable remark, "that this man wields an enormous and far-reaching influence. No door is locked to him! From out of nowhere he can summon up numbers of willing servants, who obey him blindly, and return--whence they came! "He would seem, then, to be served by high and low, and--a notable point--no one of his servants has yet betrayed him! His wealth clearly is enormous. He invites the rich to give--as _he_ gives--and if they decline he takes! For what purpose? That he may relieve the poor! No friend of the needy yet has suffered at the hands of Severac Bablon." "I believe that's a fact!" agreed Zoe Oppner. "He's my own parent, but Pa's real mean, I'll allow!" Her words were greeted with laughter; but everyone was anxious to hear more from this man who spoke so confidently upon the topic of the hour. "You may say," he continued, "that he is no more than a glorified Claude Duval, but might he not be one who sought to purge the Jewish name of the taint of greed--who forced those responsible for fostering that taint to disburse--who hated those mean of soul and loved those worthy of their ancient line? It is thus he would war! And the price of defeat would be--a felon's cell! Whom would he be--this man at enmity with all who have brought shame upon the Jewish race? Whom could he be, save a monarch with eight millions of subjects--a royal Jew? I say that such a man exists, and that Severac Bablon, if not that man himself, is his chosen emissary!" More and more rapidly he had spoken, in tones growing momentarily louder and more masterful. He burned with the enthusiasm of the specialist. Now, as he ceased, a long sigh arose from his listeners, who had hung breathless upon his words, and one lady whispered to her neighbour, "Is he something to do with the Secret Service?" "Mr. Bernard Megger is wanted on the telephone!" "How annoying!" ejaculated Lady Vignoles at this sudden interruption. "Oh, I have said my say," laughed Pepys. "It is a pet theory of mine, that's all! I am alone in my belief, however, save for a writer in the _Gleaner_, who seems to share it." CHAPTER X KIMBERLEY Dessert was being placed upon the table when Bernard Megger went out to the telephone, and a fairly general conversation upon the all-absorbing topic had sprung up when he returned--pale, flabby--a stricken man! "Vignoles!" he said hoarsely. "A word with you." The host, who did not care for the society of Mr. Megger, rose in some surprise and stepped aside with his wife's guest. "I am a ruined man!" said Megger. "My chambers have been entered and my safe rifled!" "But----" began Vignoles, in bewilderment. "You do not understand!" snapped the other, "and I cannot explain. It is Severac Bablon who has robbed me!" "Severac Bablon?" "Yes! I must be off at once and learn exactly what has happened. I shall call at Scotland Yard----"