The Men Who Wrought

extraordinarily apparent. The purpose of his life filled his whole being. It was all of him, a dim light in the mist and fog of

road compelled, but every step, every stumble, every bruise and buffet, added to the sum of progress achi

ed his footsteps he knew not. All he knew was that, almost in a moment, she had become definitely linked up with his future through a bond, the meaning of which even he had n

had influenced his decision. He had listened to her words with a brain inspired by the warmth of th

stened back to town. He merely gave himself time to change and hold a brief consultation wi

ished to fathom the manner by which she had learned of his promotion. And, apart from these things, he desired ardently to see her again. The recollection of that moonlit figure was a sharp negative on the photographic plate

ntact with the social world of London. But, hitherto, women had had small enough place in his life. The hunting-field and the coverts, with golf and rowing, had entirely claimed his leisure, which would have been considered somet

been a man of marked celibate tendencies. It was simply the fact that the sex question had always been dominated by the simple, hard-working, outdoor life he lived. Those who knew him had always taken a de

es of the wonderful Polish beauty facing him on a wholly inefficient window seat, with his dark eyes, shining and intent, fixed upon

ght and shade of emotion passing over her

stly. And yet I know I am. But I think I can tell you one thing which may astonish you. Our meeting on the cliffs was the result of nearly two months' preparation and consideration. It was even in the nature of a plot, in which I was to be the instrument of communication. Furthermore it took me nearly two weeks of waiting and watching before I could decide tha

e woman's superlative beauty as she reclined against the win

you imagine since I have seen-Mr

-fringed grey eyes

e-associ

ee, L

. There was no a

the grey eyes became in

w about him no single suggestion of the personality of the woman who claimed it as her home. It might have belonged to anybody, from a superior business woman, who used it as a nightly refuge from th

herself, and a deep, restrained

at and the wonderful face and head that adorned it. He was aware only of the deep sleepy grey eyes so exquisitely fringed. The smooth, delicately tinted cheeks, and the mouth so ripe and full of the su

en an insult to the person towards whom they are directed. You will permit me to assure you that what I have to say is the outcome of the interest you have roused in me by all you have confided." He paused again

believed your story to me on the cliffs. Had I acted as my sense prompted I should have thrust it aside and ignored it, regarding

as I thought, between you and another matter which has since proved to be of considerable importance. I refer to Veevee

he two things was par

like a sunbeam of early morning, a

en told, and so my imagination has been turned loose. The result has been one or two things which I am going to put to you, and you can answer them or not. But my future action will be undoubtedly governed by your attitude. First, then, this is not your actual home. Se

t simple, keen, straightforward organ, trained in the hypocritical world of diplomacy, dictated its will upon him. He had been asked to believe something very like a fairy-tale, and the lips which had formulated the request were the most per

e rise and fall of her beautifully rounded bosom, but t

slightly heightened color. "And what if these

th had passed out of his eyes. But he

. Her smile grew into

absurdly cumbersome and blundering child. I am deputed to urge you to an enterprise that entails risks-untold; maybe I am striving to send you to your-death. And this work is vital to the world, and, more than all, to your count

nciation raised upon the man'

r explanation," he said drily. "The lack

rous eyes only smi

ake, which may have a disastrous effect upon my hopes. This is not my home. It is only a sort of-office. My name is not Vita Vladimir, except in part. And as for my wire to you, th

e in touch

wn in foreign official circles even before the press get it here. Remember the war. My father, who is interested in this matter I am enga

eived the news which inspired her message of congratulation, these things had immediate effect. To a lesser mind than that of this youthful statesman, these things might well hav

itself in her eyes, which were as calm as though matters of vital importance were beyond even her appreciation. Nev

see the shadowy obstacles looming up which perhaps meant a life and death struggle in their surmounting. There was no pathway to the right or left. He must go on. It was the only road, a

his face, and, deep down in their depths, a light of admiration, which had only his manhood for its object, was growing with

el

her impatience. Her interrogation b

things first hand, which is the duty of our country's political

u will-

ad, with its fair hair, wa

nk G

proof of her honesty and sincerity, it was in that wonderful expression of fervid thankfulness which

her and appoint a time when I can

's eyes w

r!" she e

r. Charle

uxton's announcement was f

you to be the only man approachable on such a subject. We did not realize we were approa

tter of his personal appearance. However, I shall send him a message addressed Veevee, London, which you will doubtless see, and I pray that Providence may bless our feeble efforts. From all I can imagine the immediate future will contain many uncertain

ave been expected. A shudder of pain seemed suddenly to affe

ror as a woman can feel it. How could you? You, a man, so big, and strong, and fearless. Even your imagination, riot as it may, could never know the haunt which the sinking of the Lusitania

s. He had nothing to add. But Vita Vladimir brushed her moment of

her lives than yours hang upon this matter. So-it is necessary for inviolable secrecy. Need you tell even your-father of your going? Need any one know? Your servants? Any one at all? It is a big thing to ask, but

pressive than her words. But Ruxto

he noose waiting for it. I shall not take unnecessary chances. No one, not even my

d expression in a

uietly. "But-but you ar