"By his instructions I performed to-day a little deception upon the representatives of English law and upon one of my esteemed colleagues--a most capable and honourable man, for whom I cherish extreme regard, and whom I would wish to see in the office I now resign. He is not one of Us, and in every respect is a suitable candidate for that high post. "I was honoured, then, by instructions to impersonate my Leader. No reference here to my powers of disguise is necessary. I took the place of him you call Severac Bablon at a certain Laurel Cottage in Dulwich. I entered with the key he had entrusted to me, too quickly to be arrested, if any had tried, and none made the attempt, which was an error of strategy (see _Code_, pp. 336-43). All in the dark I placed his coat and hat upon the table. I overlooked something in the gloom, but no matter. I correct my errors; it is the Secret. I was not otherwise disguised. It was not necessary. I waited until one of those watching broke into the little room at the back. I stood beside the window. Noiseless as the leopard I stepped behind him as he entered. I could have slain him with ease. I did not do so. I proclaimed myself. _I_ was entering, too! "Why should I name the man to whom I thus offered the one great chance of a lifetime? No, I am so old at this game. He overlooked no more than another must have done--any more than I. "But, although outside it poured with rain, my clothes were scarce wet. How had I watched and kept dry? "He did not ask himself. No matter. I gave him his chance. We French, to-day, are sportsmen! "I understand that my Leader brought about this _contretemps_ with deliberation, in order to terminate my false position, and make prominent this statement, and I am instructed to remind my authorities that State secrets of international importance are in my possession and thus in his. But, lastly, I would assure France and the world that no blot of dishonour is upon my name because I have served two masters. My great Leader never did and never will employ this knowledge to any improper end. But he would have my Government know something--so very little--of his influence and of his power. He would have them recall those warrants for his apprehension that place him on a level with the Apache, the ruffian; that are an _insult_ to a man who has never done wrong to a living soul, but who only has exercised the fundamental, the Divine, the Mosaic Law of _Justice_. "I loved my work and I love France. But I grieve not. Other work will be given to me. I make my bow; I disappear. Adieu! "I am, sir, "Your obedient servant, "VICTOR LEMAGE "(late _Service de Surete_)." * * * * * No. 3 (Received by Lady Mary Evershed)