Part 42 (1/2)

When Olga announced the name of her visitor, the Princess rose to leave the room. She explained that she did not think it was in keeping with the dignity of her position to meet every shady person who called, and added that her daughter was not behaving in a way worthy of her name and princely family. When she departed Olga looked inquiringly at Ware. He swiftly interpreted her look.

”I shall stop,” he said promptly. ”I am only too anxious to help you.”

Olga came forward and took his hand. ”And you forgive me?” she asked.

”There is nothing to forgive,” he answered, shaking it heartily. ”Let us seek for Anne together. I daresay Dane will be able to tell us where she is. I leave you to manage him.”

The girl nodded and touched the bell. Shortly the maid showed in a slim young fellow of a somewhat effeminate type. He was clean-shaven and wonderfully pale, with large dark eyes and curly black hair, worn rather long. He was dressed in a grey suit and wore a red scarf tied loosely in a bow. There was something foreign in his looks and dress. At the first sight one would have taken him for an Italian, but when he spoke it was apparent that he was an Englishman.

”Princess!” he said effusively, when he entered. Then catching sight of Giles in the background, he stopped short with a scared look.

”This is a friend of mine, Mark,” said Olga, coming forward. ”He knows all that there is to be known.”

”Oh! And you promised not to say a word,” said Dane reproachfully.

She shook her head. ”I promised to save you from being arrested, and I shall fulfil my promise. Why have you come here?”

Dane fumbled in his pocket. ”Your letter,” he said, handing it to her.

Olga took it, glanced at it, and finally pa.s.sed it to Ware.

”I did not write that letter,” she said quietly. ”Steel the detective sent it, so as to bring you here. He wishes to resume the conversation you left unfinished at Bournemouth.”

”It's a trap!” cried Dane violently, and swung round to the door. But there was no chance of escape in that direction. He opened it to find Steel standing without. The detective stepped into the room and locked the door.

”Now,” he said, ”we can have some conversation. Princess, I apologize for having used your name unauthorized, but it was the only way to bring this young man into my net.”

”Into a net!” said Dane, letting fall his soft hat. ”You intend to have me arrested!” His hand went round to the back of his waist. In a moment Steel had flung himself forward, and after a short struggle disarmed him. The knife that the detective had secured was an ugly-looking weapon.

”You are more Italian than the Italians,” he said, slipping the knife into his pocket; ”but you are not a gentleman to frighten the lady.”

”I am not frightened,” said Olga promptly; ”but I am very tired. I shall retire and leave you two gentlemen to deal with Mark.”

Dane sprang forward and caught her dress. He looked terrified. ”Do not leave me,” he entreated. ”You know that I love you, and that for your sake I have betrayed a man who has done much for me. You promised to help me.”

”I shall do so,” she answered, returning to her seat. ”I shall see that you are not arrested, and----”

”Pardon me, Princess, it may be necessary to----”

”Mr. Steel, this man shall not be arrested,” she said, stamping her foot.

”If I am,” cried Dane resolutely, ”I shall say nothing. Only to save myself will I speak.”

Ware addressed a few hurried words to the detective, who nodded reluctantly. It was Giles who spoke. ”I promise that you shall not be put in gaol, Dane,” he said, ”but you must tell the truth.”

”If I do so I am in danger of my life.”

”Then it is not grat.i.tude that keeps you silent?”

”Grat.i.tude!” said Dane, flinging back his head, ”what have I to be grateful for? Mr. Franklin----”