“I wish No. 2 were with us tonight,” he continued. “There are many things to be done. Unsuspected difficulties have arisen.”

“Have you had his report?” It was the American who spoke.

“As yet⁠—I have nothing from him.” There was a pause. “I cannot understand it.”

“You think it may have⁠—gone astray?”

“That is⁠—a possibility.”

“In other words,” said five o’clock softly, “there is⁠—danger.”

He spoke the word delicately⁠—and yet with relish.

The Russian nodded emphatically.