The thick jowls of Holler bulged, and a dull red crept into his face.
"You mean----" he got this far and then stopped. "You think," he continued, after a moment, "that there were more than Okiu?"
"_I know it_," said Ashton-Kirk. "I counted at least three. Matsadi is not restricted to the use of his own countrymen. The man who dropped the revolver, for example, was an American."
At that moment Fuller, his face wearing an anxious expression, looked into the room. Seeing Ashton-Kirk he hurried to him.
"This," said he, holding out a message, "was just handed in. I told the man that I would look you up."
Ashton-Kirk took the envelope, murmured an apology and tore it open. There were but a few lines, and he read them at a glance; then he handed the paper to Von Stunnenberg and arose.
"It seems," said he, "that everything is about ready for me, and I really must go."
"Saw Matsadi come out just now," read the German ambassador. "Two men who had preceded him signaled from across the street. He joined them and all three hurried to the Japanese Embassy. Have building surrounded and am awaiting you.
Von Stunnenberg lifted a crimson face as he finished the message.
"The rats!" he cried. "They have beaten me!" He handed the paper back to the secret agent; as he did so his countenance cleared somewhat, and he smiled grimly. "And also," he added with some appreciation, "they have beaten you."
"Not quite," replied Ashton-Kirk, coolly, as he buttoned up his long coat. "I have still a card to play."
"You would not dare----" Hoffer paused as though the act the other had in mind were too daring to even put into words. "Not in a foreign embassy," he added, fearfully.
"If the search for what I desire leads me to a foreign embassy, why not?" asked he. "What I ventured in the German surely I shall not hesitate to repeat in the Japanese. And now, gentlemen, I must say good-night."
And with this he left the room and hurried down the hall, Fuller following close behind him.
When Ashton-Kirk and his aide reached the sidewalk a man in a cloth cap approached.
"Mr. Culberson is awaiting orders," said he.
"Tell him to call off his men," replied the secret agent promptly.
Without comment, the man in the cloth cap walked away. Fuller was amazed.