And as he spoke, a man sitting close by, who had been an amused onlooker of the whole scene, stiffened suddenly in his chair, and stared hard at Hugh. It was only for a second, and then he was once more merely the politely interested spectator. But Hugh had seen that quick look, though he gave no sign; and when at last the Frenchman departed, apparently satisfied, he leaned over and spoke to Jerry.
"See that man with the suit of reach-me-downs and the cigar," he remarked. "He's in this game; I'm just wondering on which side."
He was not left long in doubt, for barely had the swing doors closed behind the gendarme, when the man in question rose and came over to him.
"Excuse me, sir," he said, in a pronounced nasal twang, "but I heard you say you were Captain Hugh Drummond. I guess you're one of the men I've come across the water to see. My card."
Hugh glanced at the pasteboard languidly.
"Mr. Jerome K. Green," he murmured. "What a jolly sort of name."
"See here, Captain," went on the other, suddenly displaying a badge hidden under his coat. "That'll put you wise."
"Far from it, Mr. Green. What's it the prize for—throwing cards into a hat?"
The American laughed.
"I guess I've sort of taken to you," he remarked. "You're real fresh. That badge is the badge of the police force of the United States of America; and that same force is humming some at the moment." He sat down beside Hugh, and bent forward confi-
