"I did not mean that. I dare say he behaved decently enough. But he spouted a lot of childish nonsense about German hopes and German ambitions, and I feared your daughter might take him seriously. He is nothing but an ignorant young fool."
Vard laid aside his book and looked Pachmann full in the face.
"The truth comes sometimes from the mouths of fools," he said. "When am I to have my answer?"
"To be quite candid," answered Pachmann, readily, "I am afraid to give it to you on board this boat. I chose this boat because I believed we should be safe here. But there are spies on board; one of our conferences has been overheard—perhaps both of them," and he told of the assault upon Schroeder. "Then again, we must not be seen too much together. I might be recognised; and you are already suspected of having caused the destruction of La Liberté."
"How can that be?" Vard demanded, in a tone which showed that he was genuinely startled.
For answer, Pachmann took from his pocket-book a paper, unfolded it and handed it to Vard. It was the wireless from Lépine.
"That was received last Thursday," he said. "I suppose you know who Lépine is. By great good fortune, I intercepted it, and sent an answer denying that you were on board. It was for that reason you were removed to the first-class and your name kept off the passenger list. But how can he have suspected you?"
Vard shook his head slowly. He was a little pale, and the hand which held the message trembled.
"I cannot guess," he said.
"You have told no one?"