"I'm very sorry. Sir Archibald, but I am unable to give it. I have instructions to that effect," was the secretary's cautious reply. "If you give me your note, or write to his club, I will see that it is attended to. Doctor Monier wrote me three days ago asking me not to send his patient any matters concerning public affairs that might worry him." "But his daughter still remains in Chesterfield Street," observed the Baronet. "It is strange she is not with him. The rumour is growing that Monkton has disappeared, and that the police are searching for him." "I know," laughed the other. "I have heard so. It is all too ridiculous. The truth has already been published in the Press. Mr Monkton has had a very serious nervous breakdown, and is on the Riviera--even though it is summer." "You are quite certain of that--eh, Farloe?" "Why should I tell you an untruth?" asked the secretary blandly. They were standing near the Members' post-office, and the Baronet, having exchanged a nod with the Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs, who was just passing into the House itself, gazed full into the secretary's eyes. "Tell me, Farloe--tell me in strict confidence," he urged. "I'll not whisper a word, but--well, do you happen to know anyone of the name of Stent?" The young man hesitated, though he preserved the most complete and remarkable control. "Stent? Stent?" he repeated. "No. The name is quite unfamiliar to me." "Are you quite certain? Think." "I have already thought. I have never heard that name," was the reply. "You are quite positive that he is not acquainted with Mr Monkton in some peculiar and mysterious way?" "How should I possibly know? All the Colonial Minister's friends are not known to me. Mr Monkton is a very popular man, remember. But why," he added, "do you ask about this man Stent?" "Because it is told to me that he is a mysterious friend of Monkton's." "Not as far as I am aware," declared Farloe. "I certainly have no knowledge of their friendship, and the name is so unusual that one would certainly recollect it." The Baronet smiled. Farloe, seeing that he was unconvinced, was eager to escape from any further awkward cross-examination. "I really wish that you would be frank with me," said Sir Archibald, who was one of Britain's business magnates and a great friend of Monkton's. "I am informed that this person Stent is in possession of the true and actual facts concerning the Minister's curious disappearance." Farloe realised that something was leaking out, yet he maintained a firm attitude of pretended resentment. "Well, Sir Archibald," he protested. "I cannot well see how I can be more frank with you. I've never heard of this mysterious person."