Contraras reflected before he spoke. "As I told you just now, I have not quite made up my mind." He paused, and struck an imposing attitude. "You know, Moreno, it has always been my policy to strike at the head and heart of this effete system. The humbler members, mere tools of their superiors--well, I would be inclined to show them mercy." "I know that has always been your generous inclination," replied Moreno, masking his loathing of this fanatical creature. "Well, I should say Rossett was quite a tool, very poor game." "I am inclined to agree with you. Still, he is active and dangerous, and a menace to the Cause. He knows too much about many of us." "Quite true, quite true," said Moreno. He had an object in humouring this venerable visionary. He wanted to know what was at the back of his mind, what dark scheme he was working out in his subtle brain! Contraras spoke in a meditative voice. "These Englishmen are strange people; they have a great respect for their word." "It is one of their peculiarities," admitted Moreno drily. "If he would take a solemn oath to resign his post, and withdraw himself from any further opposition to the brotherhood, I think I would accept that, and let him go free." "And that, I am afraid, is just the thing you will never induce an Englishman to do," said Moreno bluntly. "I know the type too well. Better death than dishonour, all that sort of thing, you know. It's in their blood." Contraras smiled oddly. "In that case, I think there is only one course. It is regrettable, it is repugnant to me. But the safety of the brotherhood is my first consideration." Moreno had learned all he wanted to know. He knew now what was working in that fanatical brain. "I understand," he said quietly. He added with the most apparent sincerity. "The safety of the brotherhood must always be the first thought. I quite agree." Shortly after, Contraras left to return to his luxurious hotel. He parted from the two with many expressions of good-will. He was disposed to confirm Lucue's high opinion of Moreno. There was a confident bearing about the young man that impressed him. He was sure that he would prove a valuable recruit to the brotherhood. They were left alone--the man quite young, the woman still comparatively youthful. Moreno spoke first. "We have been assigned a post of honour, but it is also a post of danger. Don't you think so?" Mrs Hargrave shivered. "When I remember poor Valerie Delmonte, I must confess I don't feel very brave. But you spoke very confidently of being able to snare Rossett." "I am quite confident of being able to do that." "I suppose you won't tell me why you are so confident of the fact?" Moreno shook his head. "No, I certainly won't. In this business, never let your left hand know what your right hand doeth." She shot at him a rather coquettish glance, which thrilled him just a little. She was certainly a very pretty and fascinating woman.