Bobby’s face had been growing longer and longer as the Assistant Commissioner proceeded. When Mr. Crane mentioned the letter Bobby could not restrain an exclamation. “A letter?” he asked excitedly. “What letter?” “This,” said the Assistant Commissioner, handing him the note that Clancey and he had previously seen. Bobby took it eagerly and read-- DEAR BOBBY, MY FRIEND,-- Once more I fear I am causing you unhappiness. I cannot explain everything, but I can at least tell you this. When I prevailed upon you to introduce Mr. Ramsey to me, so much against your will, I had an object. This object was very far from being a desire for Mr. Ramsey’s acquaintance as you supposed, for I am still, and always shall be, devoted to that former friend of whom I told you. His name, I may now tell you, is Prince von Waldheim und Schlangenfurst. When I came to London I had hoped to have remained long enough to see you again, but I had no alternative but to go at a moment’s notice. To have remained would have been dangerous. This letter will be delivered to you by a person whom I can trust. By the time you get it I shall be in Holland. Some day when peace is restored I hope we may meet, and it will give me great pleasure to see you and introduce you to Prince von Waldheim, who esteems loyalty as I do. As to Mr. Ramsey I do not know which I despise most--his vanity or his stupidity. With every good wish, Believe me, Always sincerely and gratefully yours, FRANCINE DE CORANTIN. As Bobby finished the letter he looked up and met the eyes of the Assistant Commissioner who rose from his chair. “I need not detain you, Mr. Froelich; it only remains for me to apologize for any trouble I may have given you. I must ask you to be kind enough to lend me this letter, which, however, I shall send on to you in a few days.” Bobby returned to his flat, relieved but chastened. It was not long before he received the commission he coveted. The same Gazette contained two announcements: one that a commission as lieutenant had been granted to Mr. J. Froelich, the other that his Majesty had no further use for the services of Mr. Alistair Ramsey. VI. A WAR VICTIM