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with short, well-manicured fingers. “And you expect me to agree?”
    “It wouldn’t be wise not to agree,” Corridon said, with his jeering smile. “Let’s be frank with each other. Ernie was very talkative. At the time he was angry with you, and he told me a number of interesting facts about you. No one wants a scandal, and there could be a scandal, Major. Even these oddities who support your club would drop you like a hot potato if they knew about Ernie, and why you resigned so hurriedly from the Guards.”
    With a hand that shook a little, Mainworthy took a cigarette from the box, and lit it. He stared at the gold lighter he held in his hand, a sick look on his face.
    “So it’s blackmail. I should have known it.”
    “Why, yes. We agreed I was unscrupulous, didn’t we?”
    “And if I make you a member?”
    “Naturally I shall forget Ernie. Come now, Major, I see we understand each other. Don’t let’s waste any more time. You are quite safe in my hands. You can see, surely, I’m not likely to rat on you and spoil my own hunting ground.”
    “I can see that.” Mainworthy made an effort to control his suppressed rage. He jerked open a drawer, took out a card and wrote hurriedly on it. “There,” he said, tossing the card across the desk. “But I warn you, Corridon, if any member complains of your behaviour, the matter automatically passes out of my hands. We have a committee who dulls with complaints, and they’ll throw you out like a shot.”
    Corridon laughed.
    “Don’t worry. You won’t get any complaints. My technique is foolproof.”
    “I’m glad to hear it,” Mainworthy said.
    As he spoke, the door opened and a girl came in. Corridon turned to look at her.
    She stood in the doorway, making an attractive picture in her white evening dress. She was small and dark and slight. Her glossy hair fell to her shoulders, framing a narrow, lovely little face, brought alive by dark, glittering eyes.
    “Oh, I’m sorry,” she said, pausing. “I thought you were alone.”
    “Come in, Miss Feydak,” Mainworthy said, rising to his feet. “I’m free now. Is there something I can do for you?”
    The girl looked quickly at Corridon. He knew by the expression that came into her eyes he interested her.
    He stood up as she smiled at him.
    With a sudden quickening of his pulse he managed to give only the briefest glance at the white jade archer’s thumb ring that held the tulle at her throat in a neat little knot.
     
    II
     
    “There is nothing else, is there?” Mainworthy said looking pointedly at Corridon. “If you want to know about the rules of the club, Brett will help you.”
    “Thank you,” Corridon said, and picked up the card. As he slipped it into his pocket, he again looked at the girl. In the past he had had a lot of experience with women. He knew she was drawn to him, that he had for her a strong physical attraction.
    “Are you a new member?” she asked, smiling up at him. She had a slight foreign accent, and he guessed she was Austrian.
    “Just this moment joined,” he said. “Do you think I shall regret it?”
    “Oh no, it is a good club,” she said. “You will find the members very friendly.” She glanced at Mainworthy expectantly. Corridon thought it was very neatly done.
    Against his will, Mainworthy said coldly, “Mr. Martin Corridon – Miss Lorene Feydak.”
    “How do you do?” Corridon had to make a conscious effort not to look at the jade ring at her throat. “Are you included among the friendly members?”
    “I think so – why do you ask?”
    “I was hoping you might take compassion on me and show me round. But of course, you will be with someone?”
    She laughed.
    “I’ll be delighted to show you round. I am waiting for my brother. He is never punctual…”
    “Excuse me, Miss Feydak, did you want to see me?” Mainworthy broke in curtly.
    “I’m sorry. Yes, I wanted to cash a cheque.” She opened her bag and took out a folded slip of paper.
    “I will