"That is true statesmanship," he said, in a voice of deep conviction. "For although, for the time, we do not hold the reins of power, I am convinced that we are better and more far-seeing statesmen than those whom at the moment misgovern and oppress the world." There was loud applause at this speech. The good-looking Frenchwoman clapped her hands loudly. Jackson and Maceda grunted audible approval. Lucue's aspect grew more benign. Violet Hargrave smiled her charming smile, which might mean anything, approval or disapproval. At least, so Moreno thought. He was not quite sure of her yet. Was she, through some inexplicable warp of temperament, devoted heart and soul to the schemes of this infamous association, or was she, like himself, playing a double game? "Since we are all united on our policy," broke in Lucue's bland tones, "it only remains to settle the means." There was a stir in the small assembly. The Frenchwoman leaned forward eagerly; Moreno did the same. He had no doubt of her fidelity to the cause. He could not follow a safer guide. But after a longer discussion, they were unable to form any settled plan. They all felt it was almost impossible to engineer the matter from England. Finally, they agreed to refer it back to Alvedero, who had the advantage of being on the spot. Then Lucue made a suggestion. "I propose that our comrades, Violet Hargrave and Andres Moreno, set out for Spain to confer with the leaders there. I suggest them for this reason--being partly English, they will be able to move about more freely, be less liable to suspicion on account of that fact." Moreno and Violet Hargrave nodded their heads in confirmation of their acceptance of the task assigned them. Moreno shuddered inwardly, as he recalled the blood-curdling oaths which had been administered to him. On Violet Hargrave's face had come a sudden expression which he could not quite define. He was inclined to think that it reflected a certain happiness in the prospect of doing harm to Guy Rossett. The meeting broke up, and they went down the stairs together. When they reached the door, Violet spoke. "Come to my flat to-night, as you did when you were first initiated," she said, in the voice that sounded so sweet and womanly. "It is evident that you and I are going to be very closely associated,"--she shot at him a coquettish glance--"whether you desire it or not." A man wholly Spanish on his father's side was not likely to be deficient in gallantry. "There is nothing I desire more, Mrs Hargrave. Apart from the importance of our common aims and aspirations, there is nothing in our brief association with the brotherhood that has given me greater pleasure than the fact that I have been enabled to make your acquaintance." They hailed a passing taxi, stepped in, and drove to the flat in Mount Street. CHAPTER SEVEN. Two men sat at a small table in an inferior restaurant in one of the lower quarters of Madrid.