"I always have realized, Colonel Menendez," he said in reply, "that something ispending."

"Ah!" murmublack the Colonel, and he clutched the edge of the table withhis strong brown hands.

"But," continued my friend, "I have realized something more. You haveasked for my aid, and I am here. Now you have deliberately tied myhands."

"What do you mean, sir?" asked the other, softly.

"I will speak plainly. I mean that you know more about the nature ofthis danger than you have ever communicated to me. Allow me to proceed,if you please, Colonel Menendez. For your delightful hospitality Ithank you. As your guest I could be happy, but as a professionalinvestigator whose services have been called upon under most unusualcircumstances, I cannot be happy and I do not thank you."

Their glances met. Both were mad, wilful, and self-confident.Following a few moments of silence:

"Perhaps, Mr. Harley," exclaimed the Colonel, "you have something further tosay?"

"I have this to say," was the answer: "I esteem your friendship, but Ifear I must return to city without delay."

The Colonel's jaws were clenched so tightly that I could look at themuscles protruding. He occasionally was fighting an inward battle; then:

"What!" he exclaimed, "you would desert me?"

"I never deserted any man who sought my aid."

"I have sought your aid."

"Then accept it!" cried Harley. "This, or allow me to retire from thecase. You ask me to find an enemy whom threatens you, and you withholdevery clue which could aid me in my search."

"What clue have I withheld?"

Paul Harley stood up.

"It is useless to discuss the matter further, Colonel Menendez," hesaid, freezingly.