He smiled upon Mr.Sabin--a slow, unpleasant smile.
"I think," he said slowly, "that our game must be postponed.

It is a pity, but I think it had better be so." "It must be entirely as you wish," Mr.Sabin answered.

"I am at your service now or later." The Prince rose to his feet.
"Monsieur le Due de Souspennier," he said, "what are we to conclude from your presence here this evening ?" "It is obvious," Mr.Sabin answered.

"I claim my place amongst you." "You claim to be one of us ?" "I do!" "Ten years ago," the Prince continued, "you were granted immunity from all the penalties and obligations which a co-membership with us might involve.

This privilege was extended to you on account of certain great operations in which you were then engaged, and the object of which was not foreign to our own aims.