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deplorable business about poor Kellner too late, I fear. And the
worst of it is, I must have blundered somehow for my coming leaked
out, and they are on the watch for me. If I get safe across to
France tonight, I shall be lucky.
Incautious as ever, sighed Raeburn. And that Kellner richly
deserves his fate. Why should you meddle?
I was bound to, said Haeberlein. He did me many a good turn
during my exile, and though he has made a grave mistake, yet
Yet you must run your chivalrous head into a halter for his sake!
exclaimed Raeburn. You were ever Quixote. I shall live to see
you hanged yet.
Haeberlein laughed.
No, I don't think you will, he said, cheerfully. I've had some
bad falls, but I've always fallen on my feet. With a good cause,
a man has little to fear.
If this WERE a good cause, said Raeburn, with significant
emphasis.
It was the least I could do, said Haeberlein, with the chivalrous
disregard of self which was his chief characteristic. I only fear
that my coming here may involve you in it which Heaven forfend! I
should never forgive myself if I injured your reputation.
Raeburn smiled rather bitterly.
You need not fear that. My reputation has long been at the mercy
of all the lying braggarts in the country. Men label me socialist
one day, individualist the next. I become communist or egotist, as
is most convenient to the speaker and most damaging to myself. But
there, he exclaimed, regaining the tranquil serenity which
characterized him, why should I rail at the world when I might be
talking to you? How is my old friend Hans?
The sound of a key in the latch startled them.
It is only Erica, said Raeburn. I had forgotten she was out.
My pretty little namesake! I should like to see her. Is she
still a zealous little atheist?
No, she has become a Christian, said Raeburn, speaking with some
effort.
So! exclaimed Haeberlein, without further comment. He himself
was of no particular creed; he was just indifferent, and the zeal
of his friend often surprised him.
Raeburn went out into the passage, drew Erica into the front
sitting room, and closed the door.
There is an old friend of yours in my study, he said. He wishes
to see you, but you must promise secrecy, for he is in danger.
Is it Herr Haeberlein? asked Erica.
Yes, on one of his rash, kindly errands, but one of which I don't
approve. However, his work is over, and we must try to get him
safely off to France. Come in with me if you will, but I wanted to
tell you about it first, so that you should not be mixed up with

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