Mononsonburg, whose name was on the package, must have left the smoked-glasses at the embassy, and the report got to your people, as well as to the Germans, that it was the key to the cipher. I’m through with the whole mess! Send me back to Dartmoor!�
“Smoked-glasses?� repeated Sir Richard, rising and leaning over the table with his finger pointing like a gun at Fay.
“Yes—smoked-glasses! An ordinary pair of ordinary glasses!â€�
“And you threw them away?�
“Ask her,� said Fay, turning to the girl.
The chief of the investigation bureau sat back, thrust his thumbs in his vest-holes, and whistled slowly. He closed his pursed lips and glared across the polished table. Inch by inch his eyes raised to the cracksman. For the first time since leaving the prison, Fay felt the grip of fear. There was that in the manhunter’s eyes to warn him of coming danger.
He stepped back and away from the table. He came full into the level squint of MacKeenon’s eyes. The air of the great room grew tense with things about to happen.
Saidee Isaacs gripped Fay’s sleeve with a pressure of confidence.
“Tell him everything,� she said in a low whisper.
MacKeenon stepped between the girl and Fay. He clicked the handcuffs suggestively as he dropped a hand into his coat pocket.