Sir Francis concealed his thoughts under a smile, and well he did.
"You ask the impossible. Why, that's preposterous!"
A spark showed in the violet eyes--steel under the velvet.
"Your loyalty is not involved in this discussion; it is simply that you ask things that are unprecedented in the service."
"The happenings of June fourteenth are without precedent," she returned swiftly. "Come, Sir Francis, what are you losing in this venture? On the contrary, you gain much. I want no credit; when I have finished I vanish from the affair, completely. One of the stipulations is that my name must not be mentioned in connection with the work. Simply, your curiosity is piqued. And your masculine vanity suffers at the thought that a woman can do what you, with your hundreds of eyes, can not. Be reasonable. I give my word, a word that you have reason to know is always kept, that your man shall come to no harm. You do not question my loyalty, you say; then what reason for refusal have you? Simply that in the stale, musty annals of your Department such a thing has never been done!"
The Director of Central Intelligence leaned back in his chair.
"Do you know"--and he smiled as he said it--"I could have you--er--detained as a suspicious person, if I felt so disposed."
Her musical laughter rippled out. "But you do _not_ feel so disposed, for what would it gain you?"
Their eyes met and there followed a quick duel.... The man's smile was a sign of defeat.
"If you don't want a Secret Service man, whom _do_ you want?"
"A man who has brains and imagination--and, besides those, honor."
Sir Francis lifted his eyebrows. "He is a doctor."
"That is the way with you military men"--with a sigh. "If one is a physician, you think he knows nothing but what is taught in schools of medicine! I want some one whose brain is free of tiresome Secret Service rules."
The Colonel smiled. "You are a very resourceful woman," he declared.
"It means I recognize your ability, and that I shall communicate with the Viceroy to-morrow and give you my decision as soon as possible."
"Then I shall not prolong this interview. Good night, Sir Francis."
She gave him her hand and moved to the door, where she halted, turning back.
"I nearly forgot," she said. "There is one other clause in the agreement. Major Trent must be kept in ignorance of the party with whom he is to work. To him you may call me--well, the Swaying Cobra." She smiled again. "By that name I was known when I danced on the Continent."