In a small room, as far as possible removed from the one in which the committee had their meetings, Klein sat like a mole delving into documents and preparing the interim report for which the Government had been pressed in Parliament. Here, when the day was over and Sir Matthew had at last taken his departure, Tarleton would join him. It frequently happened that they did not finish their labours until nearly midnight. On such occasions Tarleton would go to his club to dine, whilst Klein would make his way to some neighbouring restaurant, but after a time the two men seemed to draw nearer to each other, until one day Tarleton suggested that Klein should dine with him. Over a cigar in the club smoking-room, the secretary for the first time expressed himself freely to his colleague. “I feel I ought to tell you, Klein, that at first I was foolish enough to feel a little--” He broke off, hesitating to use a word which might hurt the other’s feelings. “I know exactly what you mean, Tarleton, and I do not in the least blame you. You are probably not aware that many of us Alsatians have German names, but if you knew more of my life you would know what good cause I have for hating the Germans more than any Englishman can possibly hate them. Some day, perhaps, I shall have a chance of telling you.” Klein’s eyes flashed under their drooping lids. Tarleton warmed to him and began to talk about the committee and especially about the chairman. “This has been a tremendous eye-opener to me, Klein,” he said. “I must tell you that, in my innocence, I never imagined that the proceedings of a committee could be conducted in such a fashion. I must confess I do not understand the object of it.” Klein smiled significantly. “I do,” he remarked. “What do you mean, Klein?” “It is quite simple. There are things which the Government does not desire to be known, and that is why they selected a man like Bale for chairman. You see, Tarleton, we’re accustomed to that sort of thing in France.” “But we aren’t,” remarked Tarleton, “and I think it’s--something ought to be done,” he added. “Something can be done,” said Klein. “How?” “I suppose you’ve heard of Blum & Co.?” The secretary stared at him. “No, I’ve never heard of them.” “Well, Blum & Co. is Sir Matthew’s firm, and Mr. Blum would be an exceedingly interesting witness.” Tarleton almost jumped out of his chair. “Good Lord!” he said excitedly, “you don’t mean--” “I mean just exactly that,” Klein continued in his heavy way. “Moritz Blum is Bale’s partner, and he’s one of the biggest scamps in the City. Now supposing I give the tip to a member of the committee to call him.” Tarleton could hardly believe his ears. Here was retribution for Sir Matthew with a vengeance! But he hesitated. “Would it be square, do you think? I mean, wouldn’t it be treacherous towards the chairman?”