There was a discreet knock at the door, and, at the ambassador's call, Jamieson entered. He bore a card, which he laid upon the table.
"I told him that you were engaged, Mr. Bierce, but he said he came in answer to your note."
"Quite right!" replied the ambassador briskly. "Show him in at once." As the secretary vanished, the older man held up the bit of engraved pasteboard before the astonished eyes of his young friend. "Apropos!" he murmured.
Van Ingen reached for his hat. "I must be going," he said hurriedly.
"Not so fast!" The ambassador waved him back to his chair. "Sit still. The investigation has begun!"
The door opened, and Count Poltavo entered the room.
The ambassador received him cordially. "It was good of you to come so promptly," he said. "I daresay my note puzzled you."
"I shall not deny it," smiled the count. He bowed politely to Van Ingen. "As you see, I have come directly on the heels of it, to hear the question."
"I shall not keep you in suspense, Count Poltavo," replied the ambassador gravely, "but come at once to the point. Briefly, some data which lie before me"—he tapped a typewritten report upon the table—"connect you, somewhat vaguely, with a certain recent event. For reasons, I propose to investigate that event, and a truthful statement on your part——"
The count elevated his eyebrows slightly.