Lutchester's hand suddenly closed upon her wrist. She was surprised to find his fingers so cold, yet marvellously tenacious.
"You are going to lose that key and I am going to find it," he said, quietly. "I am sorry--but you must."
"I am going to do nothing of the sort," Pamela objected.
His fingers remained like a cold vice upon her wrist. She made no effort to draw it away.
"Listen," he said; "do you believe that the Hastings-cum-Fischer party is going to be the best thing that could happen for America?"
"Then do as I beg. Let me take that key from your bracelet. You shall have no other responsibility."
"You must leave that to me," he answered. "I will tell you as much as I can. I stopped Nikasti sailing for Japan, but I made a mortal enemy of him at the same time. He has come to Washington to consult with his Ambassador. They are together tonight. It is my mission to convince them of Germany's duplicity."
"I see.... And you think that these written words--?"
"Give the key to me," he begged, "and ask no questions."
"I should object most strongly to nocturnal disturbers of my slumbers!"
It seemed to her that his frame had become tenser, his tone harder. The grip of his fingers was still upon her wrist.
"Even your objection," he said, "might not relieve you of the possibility of their advent."
"Don't be silly," she answered, "and, above all, don't try to threaten me. If you want my help--"
She looked steadfastly across at the looming outline of the Hastings' house.
"How long should you require the letter for?"
She led him down some steps on to the smooth lawns which encircled the house. They passed in and out of some gigantic shrubs until at last they came to a paling. She felt along it for a few yards.
"There is a gate there," she told him. "Can you do anything with it?"
It was fastened by an old lock. He lifted it off its hinges, and they both passed through.
"Keep behind the shrubs as much as you can," she whispered. "There is a way into the house from the verandah here."
They reached at last the shadow of the building. She paused.
"Wait here for me," she continued. "I would rather enter the house without being seen, if I can, but it doesn't really matter. I can make some excuse for coming back. Don't move from where you are."