"I have seen the autograph letter which Nikasti has in his possession," he announced.
"You mean that Mr. Fischer showed it to you?" she exclaimed incredulously.
Lutchester hesitated.
"There are methods," he said, "which those who fight in the dark places for their country are forced sometimes to make use of. I have seen the letter. I have half convinced those who represent Japan in this matter of Fischer's duplicity. With your help I am hoping wholly to do so."
Pamela leaned for a moment back in her chair.
"Really," she declared, "I am beginning to have the feeling that I am living almost too rapidly. Let us have a breathing spell. I wonder what all these other people are talking about."
"Probably," he suggested, with a little glance around, "about themselves. We will follow their example. Will you marry me, please, Miss Van Teyl?"
"We haven't even come to the ice yet," she sighed, "and you pass from high politics to flagrant personalities. Are you a sensationalist, Mr. Lutchester?"
"Not in the least," he protested. "I simply asked you an extremely important question quite calmly."
"It isn't a question that should be asked calmly," she objected.