An English statesman is as fearless as Agamemnon, and as wise as Nestor.

Have you your evening free ?" "Yes," I replied wonderingly.
"Would you care to devote it to a perilous adventure?
Not so perilous, for I"-- he thumped his chest--"will be there.

But still _molto gefahrlich_." His black eyes held mine in burning intensity.

So as to hide a smile I lit a cigarette.

I know not what little imp in motley possessed me that evening.