Part 51 (1/2)
”You are a politician, then?” he asked, slowly.
”I am a politician,” De Grost admitted. ”I represent a great secret power which has sprung into existence during the last few years. Our aim, at present, is to bring closer together your country and Great Britain. Russia hesitates because an actual rapprochement with us is equivalent to a permanent estrangement with Germany.”
Hagon nodded.
”I understand,” he said, in a low tone. ”I have finished with politics.
I have nothing to say to you.”
”I trust,” De Grost persisted, suavely, ”that you will be better advised.”
Hagon turned round and faced him.
”Sir,” he demanded, ”do you believe that I am afraid of death?”
De Grost looked at him steadfastly.
”No,” he answered, ”you have proved the contrary.”
”If my ident.i.ty is discovered,” Hagon continued, ”I have the means of instant death at hand. I do not use it because of my love for the one person who links me to this world. For her sake I live, and for her sake I bear always the memory of the shameful past. Publish my name and whereabouts, if you will. I promise you that I will make the tragedy complete. But for the rest, I refuse to pay your price. A great power trusted me, and whatever its motives may have been, its money came very near indeed to freeing my people. I have nothing more to say to you, sir.”
The Baron de Grost was taken aback. He had scarcely contemplated refusal.
”You must understand,” he explained, ”that this is not a personal matter. Even if I myself would spare you, those who are more powerful than I will strike. The society to which I belong does not tolerate failure. I am empowered even to offer you its protection, if you will give me the information for which I ask.”
Hagon rose to his feet, and, before De Grost could foresee his purpose, had rung the bell.
”My decision is unchanging,” he said. ”You can pull down the roof upon my head, but I carry next my heart an instant and unfailing means of escape.”
A waiter stood in the doorway.
”You will take this gentleman to the lift,” Hagon directed.
There was once more a touch in his manner of that half divine authority which had thrilled the great mult.i.tude of his believers. De Grost was forced to admit defeat.
”Not defeat,” he said to himself, as he followed the man to the lift, ”only a check.”
Nevertheless, it was a serious check. He could not, for the moment, see his way further. Arrived at his house, he followed his usual custom and made his way at once to his wife's rooms. Violet was resting upon a sofa, but laid down her book at his entrance.
”Violet,” he declared, ”I have come for your advice.”
”He refuses, then?” she asked, eagerly.
”Absolutely. What am I to do? Bernadine is already upon the scent. He saw him at the Savoy to-day, and recognized him.”
”Has Bernadine approached him yet?” Violet inquired.
”Not yet. He is half afraid to move. I think he realizes, or will very soon, how serious this man's existence may be for Germany.”
Violet was thoughtful for several moments, then she looked up quickly.