"It concerns the singular conveyance of green and white and the lady within it." Philip looked frankly astonished.
"I take it then," he suggested, "that you know the nomadic lady, Baron Tregar ?" "No," said the Baron.
Philip stared.
"Your Excellency is pleased to jest," he said politely.
"On the contrary," said the Baron, "I am at a loss for suitable words in which to express my singular request.

I am assured of your interest, Poynter ?" "Of my interest, assuredly!" admitted Philip.

"My compliance," he added fairly, "depends, of course, upon the nature of the mission." "It is absurdly simple," said the Houdanian suavely.

"Merely to discover whether or not the nomadic lady feels any exceptional interest--in Houdania.

For the information to be acquired in a careless, disinterested manner without arousing undue interest, requires, I think, an American of brains and breeding, a compatriot of the nomad.