"It is fortunate, after all," he said, "that you kept the messages which bore Prince Samanov's seal. I destroyed mine for a very definite reason. I had received a letter from Prince Samanov some time after the Russian Revolution. It was a very personal letter, and in it were instructions to destroy it and all similar communications. I considered these last messages as similar communications."
"What was your connection with my friend, the prince?" asked the Englishman.
"I met him in France," said Cooper. "I loaned him a considerable amount of money, with no security other than his word. I supposed that at this meeting the debt would be repaid. I could see no danger in coming, but I did realize that there was need for secrecy, as Prince Samanov's agent might have had difficulty leaving Russia."
"Have you come far?"
"From Providence, Rhode Island."
* * *
Harry Vincent was busy with the wireless. Garrison Cooper was curious as Major Weston peered into the box that stood on the table. He waited until the message had been sent.
"What is that instrument?" he inquired.
"A static eliminator," explained Harry. "It was put in here the—"
"A very ingenious device," broke in Major Weston. "It was here when I came."