"In my opinion," went on John's companion, "the Department ought to put her out of harm's way. But the Chief knows better. He has ordered supervision of all the letters she posts, and she posts a good many."
The door opened at that moment and Dacent Smith himself came hurriedly in. He apologised politely for his absence. The fact that he was head of a great department, that he was indeed a great man, never weighed with him in regard to his subordinates. Socially he treated them all as his equals; only in matters of discipline was he superior. He laughed as he looked at his depleted cigarette-box, and then seated himself at his desk.
With a brisk movement he switched on the light.
"I have had three hours of the War Council," he said, speaking to both Treves and the Captain. "Now, Treves, what is the news?"
John told him that Mrs. Beecher Monmouth was in communication with a person whose name was unknown to him; this person was evidently of great importance to the German secret service, and was considering the employment of John in a great undertaking.
"Who is the great unknown?" inquired Dacent Smith.
"I don't know, sir," John admitted.
The elder man tightened his lips.
"Mrs. Beecher Monmouth's acquaintances are becoming increasingly interesting to us, eh, Treves?"
"I believe so, sir," said John.