"I think you are an agent of the United States Secret Service," said I. "And I think you learned, somehow or other, that this bunch of Kings was coming here to conspire. And I think you very cleverly picked me up in Berne with a view to being invited here so that you could watch their activities and keep your government informed. How near right am I?"
"You ought to know," he retorted, laughing.
"Well then—if I do know—what are you going to do about this enterprise of Clelia and Thusis? Help them collar this royal gang and smuggle them across the frontier into France?"
He shook his head: "No, I can't do that."
"Your duties do not permit such amusements?"
"No. I am engaged to fulfill a definite duty. In fact I'm pledged to carry out a certain mission. It's a matter of honor. I'm sorry."
"It limits you?"
"It does."
"Checks any adventurous or romantic inclination toward aiding Thusis and Clelia to nab Tino & Co.?"
"I'm afraid it does."