"A dispatch from London," Nikasti confided.
"It was a family message," was the calm response. "It did not concern the affair which is between us."
"How came you to speak English like this?" Fischer inquired.
"I was at Oxford University for two years," Nikasti told him, "and in the Embassy at London for five more."
"Before you took up your present job, eh?"
Nikasti assented silently. Fischer glanced around as though to make sure that they were still alone.
"I have the communication with me," he announced, "which we are to discuss. The terms of our proposal are clearly set out, and they are signed by the Highest of all himself. The letter embodying them was handed to me three weeks ago to-day in Berlin. Have you been to Washington?"
"I do not go to Washington," he said. "You will understand that diplomatically, as you would put it, I do not exist. Neither is it necessary. I am here to listen."
"There need be very little delay, then," he observed, "before we get to work."
Nikasti bowed and raised his forefinger in warning.
"I think," he whispered, "that Mr. Van Teyl has finished dressing."
Van Teyl, as he hastened forward to meet his friend, presented at first sight a very good type of the well-groomed, athletic young American. He was over six feet tall, with smooth, dark hair brushed back from his forehead, a strong, clean-shaven face and good features. Only, as he drew nearer, there was evident a slight, unnatural quivering at the corner of his lips. The cordiality of his greeting, too, was a little overdone.
"Welcome home, Fischer! Why, man, you're looking fine. Had a pleasant voyage?"
"Storms for the first few days--after that all right," Fischer replied.
"Not a sight of one. Seen your sister yet?"
"Not yet. I've been waiting about for a telephone message. She hadn't arrived, a few minutes ago."
"I want us three to meet--you and she and I--the first moment she sets foot in the hotel," he declared.
"What's the hurry?" Van Teyl demanded. "You must have seen plenty of her the last ten days."
"That," Fischer insisted, "was a different matter. See here, Jimmy, I'll be frank with you."
He walked to the door of the bedroom, opened it, and looked inside. Its sole occupant was Nikasti, who was at the far end, putting away some clothes. Fischer closed the door firmly and returned.