Mustached man." "Yes, that describes him. You see, he did not wish to
act definitely without consulting his chief, yet the unexpected
opportunity seemed far too vital not to be utilized.
He did not explain, did he, what it was we wanted
of you?" "Indeed he didn't," said Jane, now wholly herself. "He was
most mysterious about it." Mr. Fleck smiled
amusedly. "Carter has been an agent so long that being mysterious is
second nature to him." "An agent--I don't understand."
"A Department agent," explained Mr. Fleck, adding, "engaged in secret
service work for the government." "Oh!" Jane's exclamation was not so
much
of surprise as of delighted realization, and the satisfaction
expressed in her face was by no means lost on Mr. Fleck. "Would you
object," he asked, moving his chair a little closer to
hers, "if, before I explain why you are here, I ask you a few
questions--very personal questions?" "Certainly not," said Jane. "You
are American-born, of course?" "Oh, yes." "And your parents?"
"American for ten or twelve generations." "How long have you lived in
that apa