“Be wary with the Faithful Fifty,” came the speaker’s voice. “Reveal yourselves only in extreme necessity. Otherwise, deal with them through the countersign.”
“Through the countersign.”
“Or through the cipher.”
“Through the cipher.”
“Or through me, your leader.”
“Through our leader.”
There was a short silence. The speaker then made an announcement.
“Tonight,” he said, “we have assembled at the request of Number Five. We shall hear him break the silence.”
Rodney Paget arose unsteadily. He moved to the end of the room opposite the chief and made the sign of the seven with his hands. The leader made the same sign in return.
“Brothers of the Seven,” said Paget, in a low voice, “I have brought you a plan.”