"Oh, easily. I can give you two reasons. In the first place, you threatened--did you not?--to accuse a man of a crime which you knew he had not committed. In the second, you are a spy, to put it plainly, and both Wilfred Burton and I felt it was our duty to secure proofs of your guilt. We are not _all_ fools in this country!" "That is a charge one would hardly bring against you," returned Van Zwieten, with emphasis, "nor against that young man. Had I suspected him of so much cleverness, I should have taken more elaborate precautions." "Ah! you should never undervalue your enemies! Well, I suppose you know that you are in my power?" "And in Wilfred Burton's also!" "No. I can manage him. He has left the decision of this matter in my hands. I am sure you ought to be pleased at that!" "I am. Because I see you mean to let me off." "That depends!" she said, and shot a keen glance at him. "I asked you to come here because it was necessary that I should see you, sir--but I despise you none the less for that. You are a spy!--the meanest of all created creatures." Van Zwieten held up his hand. He was quite unmoved. "My dear lady, let us come to business. Believe me, preaching of that kind has very little effect on me. I might defend myself by saying that I have every right to use craft on behalf of the Transvaal fox against the mighty English lion, but I will content myself with holding my tongue. I would remind you that I have very little time to spare. I intend to leave this country to-morrow morning." "How do you know that I shall allow you to go?" "You would hardly have invited me to this interview else," Van Zwieten said cunningly. "You have something you want from me. Well, I will give it in exchange for my safety--and that includes, of course, your silence." "It is clever of you to put it that way," responded the widow, coolly. "It so happens that you are right. I intend to make a bargain with you." "Always provided that I agree." "Of course," said she, airily; "but in this case I really think you _will_ agree." "I am not so sure of that." Van Zwieten narrowed his eyes and blinked wickedly. "You forget that I also know something." "For that reason I asked you here. Let me advise you not to pit yourself against me, my good man, or you may get the worst of it. A word from me and you would be kicking your heels in jail this very night." "Probably." Van Zwieten had too much to gain to notice her threat. "But you will never say that word." "You can't be quite sure of that yet. Well, let us get to business. I am not anxious to spend any more time in your company than is necessary." "I assure you the feeling is mutual. May I ask how you found my rooms in Westminster?" "I think you know that very well after the visitor you received last night. I was told about them and you by Mr. Wilfred Burton. He knew long ago that you were a spy, and he has been watching you for many months."