smiled genially. "When are you going to blow us all up? You haven'tbrought a bomb in your pocket by any chance?"
Moreno shook his head. "Much too crude, my good old friend. We work ina more subtle way than that, by peaceful and pacific means."
He knew Maurice Farquhar well enough, so sure was he of the sterlingcharacter of the man, to trust him with his life. This reserved,somewhat priggish barrister would no more reveal a confidence than aRoman Catholic priest would betray the secrets of the confessional.
At the same time a man in his delicate and dangerous position must bedoubly and trebly cautious. He must put even Farquhar off the scent,till the day arrived when he could speak freely.
He spoke a moment after, in a rather abrupt tone. "Forgive me forputting a certain question to you, and, believe me, it is not dictatedfrom any spirit of impertinent curiosity. You remember our meeting yourcousin and Guy Rossett? I told you I formed certain conclusions withregard to their relationship. Have you by any chance had an opportunityof testing the accuracy of the opinion I formed?"
For a moment Farquhar was at the point of telling this most inquisitivejournalist to mind his own business, and not to pry into matters that,to all appearances, were no concern of his.
Then he remembered that he had known the man for many years, and duringthe period of a very intimate acquaintance he had never known him guiltyof a breach of good taste.
Moreno had expressly stated he was animated with no spirit ofimpertinent curiosity. In short, he had apologised for putting thequestion. He then had some subtle and convincing reason for putting it.
Farquhar spoke more frankly than he had at first thought would bepossible under the circumstances.
"After what you said, I made it my business to inquire. I am verygreatly attached to my uncle and cousin. Whatever affects the welfareof either is deeply interesting to me."
He paused a few seconds. It was hard to admit to Moreno that hissuspicions were justified. And he was gaining a little time byexpressing himself in these cautious and judicial words, words of coursewhich told the keen young journalist what he wanted to know, withoutneed of further speech.
"It is, as you surmised, an absolute secret to all but a very few,"resumed Farquhar, after that brief pause. "You diagnosed the situationperfectly. Rossett's father is, at the present moment, thestumbling-block."
"Thanks for your perfect frankness," answered Moreno easily. The nextquestion was one still more difficult to put, for he had guessed thesituation as regards Farquhar quite easily. The barrister was in lovewith Isobel Clandon himself, had delayed too long in his wooing, and toolate learned the bitter truth, that a more enterprising lover hadcarried her off.
"I take it that since you are greatly attached to your cousin, as wellas your uncle, you would be disposed to help Rossett, in the event ofhis needing a friend?"
There was no reserve in the voice that replied.
"Yes, any man whom my cousin loves, whether he is her lover or husband,will find in me a friend."
Moreno nodded his head. He could not say how much he appreciated thisattitude, for he was sure that Farquhar was genuinely in love withIsobel. And he was sure now of what he had known all along, that theman was perfectly straight and honest, devoid of any petty ordishonouring meanness. Self-sacrifice could go no further than this--toassist Isobel's lover.
"I am very glad to hear that, Farquhar. For the moment, my lips aresealed. Even to you, my greatest friend, I cannot tell all. But theday may come when danger will threaten Guy Rossett. It will be wellthen to know who are the friends on whom he can rely. It may be, whenthat day comes, you can help, perhaps you cannot. But, if you can, Ishall count upon you."
"I have given you my promise," replied Farquhar simply. "For the sakeof Isobel Clandon, I will help Guy Rossett, if my assistance is of anyuse."
A couple of hours later, Moreno left his friend's chambers, aftertalking on other and impersonal subjects.
Shortly after that interview between the two men, there was a meeting atMaceda's restaurant. It was a special function, convened especially bythe great Lucue himself. There were only six people present, the chiefhimself, Maceda, who, on this very particular occasion, had delegatedthe conduct of his establishment to his second in command, Jackson,otherwise Jacques the moneylender, the Frenchwoman, Valerie Delmonte,Violet Hargrave, and Andres Moreno, the latest recruit.
The repast this time was of a much simpler nature. It lacked theelegance and profusion characteristic of the ordinary assemblages, whenthe affairs of the brotherhood was discussed in a general fashion. Itwas evident from these symptoms, concluded Moreno, that something ofimportance, some stern business was in the air.
When the comparatively simple meal had been finished; Lucue opened theproceedings, speaking as usual in French.
"I had hoped that our brother from Barcelona, Jaime Alvedero, would havebeen with us to-night," he explained to his fellow-conspirators. "Butgrave affairs have detained him. He is, as you know, technically mysuperior, but he has written to me, authorising me to act with fullauthority in this very important matter of Guy Rossett. For the benefitof our latest member, Andres Moreno, I will just explain how, at thepresent moment, this young Englishman is a serious menace to thebrotherhood."
Moreno looked expectantly in his chief's direction. He already knew agreat deal of what Lucue was going to explain at length for thejournalist's benefit, but he was too wide-awake to betray this. Heappeared profoundly moved by his chief's disclosures.
He assumed an expression of the greatest gravity when Lucue hadfinished, for he knew that this apparently genial and most astute personwas watching him narrowly.
"It is a very serious menace, his appointment to the Court of Spain, ashe will be on the spot," he commented quietly at the conclusion of thelong harangue. "It must be counteracted in some way and speedily. Asthe newest member of this association, it does not become me to offersuggestions. I leave these to wiser and more experienced heads." Helooked meaningly at the other three men, who he knew were theacknowledged chiefs of this particular section of the great brotherhood.
Lucue indulged in a smile of approval. Like most great men, he was nota little vain, and easily won by judicious flattery.
"Our brother Moreno is very modest," he said pleasantly. "But I have nodoubt in a short space we shall find him one of our wisest counsellors.Well, ladies and gentlemen, we have a short way with people who try tothwart our well-laid plans."
Moreno played splendidly. He knew that, as the newest recruit, and withEnglish blood running in his veins, he had to justify himself.
"That is true statesmanship," he said, in a voice of deep conviction."For although, for the time, we do not hold the reins of power, I amconvinced that we are better and more far-seeing statesmen than thosewhom at the moment misgovern and oppress the world."
There was loud applause at this speech. The good-looking Frenchwomanclapped her hands loudly. Jackson and Maceda grunted audible approval.Lucue's aspect grew more benign. Violet Hargrave smiled her charmingsmile, which might mean anything, approval or disapproval. At least, soMoreno thought.
He was not quite sure of her yet. Was she, through some inexplicablewarp of temperament, devoted heart and soul to the schemes of thisinfamous association, or was she, like himself, playing a double game?
"Since we are all united on our policy," broke in Lucue's bland tones,"it only remains to settle the means."
There was a stir in the small assembly. The Frenchwoman leaned forwardeagerly; Moreno did the same. He had no doubt of her fidelity to thecause. He could not follow a safer guide.
But after a longer discussion, they were unable to form any settledplan. They all felt it was almost impossible to engineer the matterfrom England. Finally, they agreed to refer it back to Alvedero, whohad the advantage of being on the spot.
Then Lucue made a suggestion. "I propose that our comrades, VioletHargrave and Andres Moreno, set out for Spain to confer
with the leadersthere. I suggest them for this reason--being partly English, they willbe able to move about more freely, be less liable to suspicion onaccount of that fact."
Moreno and Violet Hargrave nodded their heads in confirmation of theiracceptance of the task assigned them.
Moreno shuddered inwardly, as he recalled the blood-curdling oaths whichhad been administered to him. On Violet Hargrave's face had come asudden expression which he could not quite define. He was inclined tothink that it reflected a certain happiness in the prospect of doingharm to Guy Rossett.
The meeting broke up, and they went down the stairs together. When theyreached the door, Violet spoke.
"Come to my flat to-night, as you did when you were first initiated,"she said, in the voice that sounded so sweet and womanly. "It isevident that you and I are going to be very
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