"It is upon me—upon my men—that Atwater relies to make the attack. He hasn't the necessary information—at least, I don't think he has."
Mrs. Trafford gave a long sigh of relief. "Why didn't you say that at first?" she cried. "All you have to do is to put Atwater off and make terms with Armstrong."
"Atwater is a very dangerous man to have as an enemy."
"But he's not a fool. He'll never blame you for saving yourself from destruction."
Neither seemed to realize how much of their secret thought—thought not clearly admitted even to their secret selves—was revealed in her using that terrible word, and in his accepting it.
He glanced at his watch. "I think I'll go now."
"Yes, indeed," said she. "This is the best time to catch them. They'll be dressing for dinner."
And he hurried away.
XXVI
TRAFFORD AS DOVE OF PEACE