Ashton-Kirk did not reply; and after another period spent in cogitation, Fuller spoke again.
"The feeling which you have spoken of as existing between old Nanon and her employer is rather queer, isn't it?"
"But that she should remain with him--even accompany him to a new country--and all the time hate, or fear, him is perplexing."
Ashton-Kirk nodded, his eyes half closed.
"Yes," he said, "it is rather so. But," and he opened his eyes, "don't forget that this woman is, by her trace of accent, a Breton, and the peasantry of that section have very rigorous notions as to duty."
"They must have if she's borne with his quips and sneers all these years. I can see very readily what Warwick meant when he said you'd not wonder at his lack of interest in Dr. Morse if you knew the man."
"When Warwick came into the room where we were awaiting him last evening, did you notice anything in his manner?"
"He _did_ seem rather agitated, now that I think of it. His face was flushed and his voice trembled a bit--just as though he had been quarreling with some one."
"But with whom?" said he. "Not Miss Corbin, I feel sure; and scarcely the old servant woman."
"You think it was with Dr. Morse?" eagerly.
"I don't know. But when Morse was heard entering the house, the girl whispered something to Warwick, rather pleadingly I thought, and he brusquely denied having any intention of doing--whatever it was that she spoke of."
After some hours the train drew into the station at Washington; at once they took a taxi-cab and whirled to a government building. Ashton-Kirk was shown through a spacious suite and into a room where a handsome white-haired gentleman sat at a huge mahogany desk.
"It was kind of you, Mr. Secretary, to put yourself out," said the secret agent.
The white-haired gentleman arose and shook his hand cordially.
"I have had such telegrams from you before," he said, "and they have never failed to be followed by matters of some interest."
Ashton-Kirk sat down; the secretary pushed a box of long loosely wrapped cigars toward him.
"They are Porto Ricos," said he. "You may fancy their flavor."
For a little time after lighting the cigars they sat in silence watching the smoke drifts and enjoying the aroma. Then Ashton-Kirk spoke.