The Colonel smiled. "You are a very resourceful woman," he declared.
"That means you accept?"
"It means I recognize your ability, and that I shall communicate with the Viceroy to-morrow and give you my decision as soon as possible."
She smiled her approval and rose.
"Then I shall not prolong this interview. Good night, Sir Francis."
She gave him her hand and moved to the door, where she halted, turning back.
"I nearly forgot," she said. "There is one other clause in the agreement. Major Trent must be kept in ignorance of the party with whom he is to work. To him you may call me—well, the Swaying Cobra." She smiled again. "By that name I was known when I danced on the Continent."
Then she departed, melting into the dusky hallway.
After a moment Sir Francis moved to the window and parted the draperies slightly. The palanquin was passing, swimming in yellow moonlight. He watched it until it lost itself in shadows.
"Now what the deuce!" he muttered.