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name.
    â€œLaura—is that you?”
    Her “Yes” told Peter Severn that at least he would not have to break anything to her.
    â€œWhat is it, Laura?”
    â€œI’ve had a letter—from Jim.”
    â€œYes?”
    â€œHe’s—in prison.”
    There was a silence. Laura caught her breath.
    â€œPeter—is it true?”
    â€œI’m afraid it is.”
    â€œHe says—he says——”
    â€œWhen did you hear?” said Peter Severn.
    â€œJust now.” She forced her voice. “He says they’re going—to shoot him.”
    Another silence.
    â€œPeter—is it true?”
    â€œI’m afraid——”
    â€œTell me what you’ve heard.”
    â€œWe had a report from Trevor yesterday. We wired at once. There was an answer half an hour ago. I was coming round to see you.”
    â€œThey haven’t! ” Laura’s tone was sharp with agony.
    â€œNo—not yet.”
    â€œWhen?”
    â€œTrevor says to-morrow. He’s doing all he can. But they’re claiming him as a Russian national. His grandfather took out papers in order to get some concession or other, and both Jim and his father were born in the country. It’s a most damnable business. We’re—we’re doing all we can, Laura.”
    Laura drew a difficult breath.
    â€œDo you think there’s—any—hope?”
    â€œWe’re doing all we can,” said Peter Severn. There was no hope in his voice.
    She stayed silent, her eyes fixed, her hand rigid on the receiver. At last she said,
    â€œAre you sure—he’s still—alive?”
    Peter’s answer came quickly.
    â€œOh yes. Trevor was to see him to-morrow. We’ve got till to-morrow.”
    After a pause Laura repeated his words: “We’ve got till to-morrow.” Then she said,
    â€œThank you, Peter. You’ll let me know if you hear?”
    â€œShall I come round?”
    Basil Stevens laid a hand on her arm. She looked up and met an emphatic shake of the head. She bent again to the mouthpiece.
    â€œNo, don’t come—ring up.”
    She hung up the receiver and turned.
    â€œHe said——”
    â€œI heard what he said—he has a very good telephone voice. Well? Are you convinced?”
    â€œCan you save him?” said Laura with sorrowful simplicity.
    â€œYes,” said Basil Stevens.
    â€œHow do I know?” She put her hand to her head. “I can’t think—but I must—I must think!” She covered her eyes for a moment, leaning her elbow upon the little table.
    â€œPerhaps,” said Basil Stevens, “you would like me to repeat the terms of the—exchange. It is natural that you should be feeling a little confused. This is the position. Mackenzie will be shot to-morrow unless you can offer the Russian Government a sufficient inducement to let him go free. You are able to do this, but it involves a sacrifice that you find painful. You cannot marry Mackenzie, because you will be required to marry some one to whom the Russian Government can entrust their trade interests. When you are married, it will be natural for you to nominate your husband to the boards of the various companies controlled by Mr Hallingdon. I am very sorry to have to press this upon you, but you can see for yourself that there would be no guarantee of permanency unless the Russian nominee was your husband.”
    Laura’s hand dropped from her eyes. She looked up wildly.
    â€œI can’t marry—anyone—but Jim!”
    â€œYou cannot marry Jim if he is shot to-morrow,” said Basil Stevens.
    Laura flinched as if he had struck her. She said “ Don’t! ” in a quivering voice.
    Basil Stevens shook his head slightly.
    â€œJust consider for a moment. You have not to choose between marrying Mackenzie and marrying—well—me. You cannot in any case marry Mackenzie now. You can let him be