"Then do you think we are likely to give you away?" asked the Japanese scornfully.
"No, I don't, sir," replied Pellew emphatically, "but I am guarding against it being found out I have got hold of these plans. In a matter like this I can trust no one absolutely; and I have a very profound respect for the British Secret Service. The man who is working for me says they are very active just now."
The Japanese regarded him curiously. "But how does it happen that you, as a wine merchant, have come into possession of these plans?"
Pellew scowled melodramatically. "Partly chance and partly because I want my revenge." He spoke with an assumption of great candour. "I was in the Government service myself once, but was dismissed, most unjustly, for something I had not done. That is the revenge par
