"No; a discerning friend of mine is entitled to the discovery. Are you ready—Mary Brown?"
"Wait."
She stood plucking at her dress nervously. "What good can my arrest do to you?—tomorrow it will be known all over the world."
"There," said T. B., "you are mistaken."
"To arrest me is to sign your death-warrant—you must know that—the Nine Men will strike——"
"Ah!!"
T. B.'s eyes were dancing with excitement.
"Nine men!" he repeated slowly. "Neuf hommes—N.H. What does the 'C.' stand for?"
"That much you will doubtless discover," she said coldly, "but they will strike surely and effectively."
The detective had regained his composure.