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"By all means, my dear sir!" Mr Lassen exclaimed "Many times, let us hope But in the meantioing to deliver to Mademoiselle She is most anxious that you should hand it to me--most anxious She will tender you her thanks personally, toh to receive"

Laverick shook his head firmly

"Under no circu the document into any other hands save those of Mademoiselle Idiale To tell you the truth, I had not fully decided whether to part with it even to her I was simply prepared to hear what she had to say But itwould induce me to part with it to any one else"

There was no trace left of that ingratiating smile upon Mr Lassen's face He had the appearance now of an ugly aniuard More adventures, he thought, casting a solance at the physique of the other h carelessly upon a sst others on a table by his side If Mr Lassen's fat and ugly hand should steal toward his pocket, Laverick was prepared to hurl the ornament at his head

"I am very sorry to hear you say that, Mr Laverick," Lassen said slowly "I hope very e your ht to the document as Mademoiselle Idiale, and that it is her earnest wish that you should hand it over to me Further, I may infor one Its possession upon your person, or upon the person of any one as not upon his guard, ed his shoulders

"As a matter of fact," he declared, "I certainly have no idea of carrying it about with ht discuss the matter with Mademoiselle Idiale as soon as she is recovered I am not disposed--I mean no offence, sir--but I may say frankly that I am not disposed even to do as much with you"

Laverick rose to his feet with the obvious intention of leaving Lassen followed his example and confronted him

"Mr Laverick," he said, "in your own interests you must not talk like that,--in your own interests, I say"