The consideration is, most likely, a note to
the German Ambassador, on the presentation of which the money will be
paid in good American gold. And I'm so sure of the facts that it is
either the formula or the consideration. The latter we shall not
appropriate; the former we shall keep."
"And if I have neither?" she asked.
"Then we get neither--though that is a consummation most unlikely."
"And how are you to determine?"
"By your gracious surrender of it!"
She laughed softly. "But if I am not able to be gracious?"
"I trust that we shall not be obliged to go so far." And when she would
have answered he cut her short, courteously but with finality. "You've
lost, Madeline; now be a good loser. You've won from me, and made me pay
stakes and then some--and I've paid and smiled."
"Exactly! You've paid; I can't pay, because one loses before one pays,
and I haven't anything to lose."
"You will prove it?" he asked.
"Certainly," said she. "Do you wish me to submit to a search?"
"I don't wish it, but you have left no alternative."
"Burr!" went the telephone.
The Secretary answered. "Here is Mr. Harleston," he said and pushed the
instrument over.
"This is Ranleigh," came the voice. "We've searched the man, also the
cab, and found nothing beyond some innocent personal correspondence.
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