The Briton eyed him for a moment, then carefully closed the door leading from his sitting-room, and, seating himself, lit a cigar.
"What do you know about that matter?" he asked, quietly.
"About all there is to know—enough, at least, to appreciate your feelings."
"I flattered myself that my affairs were private. Where did you get your information?"
"I'll tell you if you insist, although I'd rather not. There's no danger of its becoming public."
Illis showed his relief. "I'm glad. You gave me a start. Rotten fix for a man to be in. Why, I'm here under an assumed name! Fancy! But—" he waved his hand in a gesture which showed his acceptance of the inevitable.
"You haven't made your new agreement?"
"I'm to meet Blum and Capron to-morrow."
"Why didn't you take the S. R.& N. when I cabled you last month?"
"I couldn't. But what has that to do with the matter?"