Part 41 (1/2)

”I am deeply sorry, but you cannot be allowed to leave the house.

Those are the agents of the police.”

Footsteps and men's voices were in the hall.

”They dare not keep me here!”

”While your delusions remain, I fear they will not let you go. But if you give me that letter, I will do what I can for you.”

”If I could believe you,” I cried with agitation; and I took another paper from my pocket.

”I should like to be your friend, and will,” he said, hurriedly.

I gave him the false letter, and cried, ”I can escape this way. Detain them here.”

I ran towards the window, tripped intentionally, and half-falling flung the inkstand through the gla.s.s.

”Stop,” cried Gustav, in a loud voice. ”This is not what I want.”

The crash of the gla.s.s brought the men into the room, and one of them ran and placed himself between the window and me.

Glancing out, I saw James Perry pa.s.s the house, running at full speed.

My ruse had succeeded. The signal had been heard, although Gustav suspected nothing, and all I had now to do was to waste a little time while I waited for his Excellency.

I took advantage of my apparent fall to thrust Gareth's letter into my bosom. Brutal as the police might be, they still had women searched by women; and my one piece of tangible evidence was safe for the time.

I got up, holding my handkerchief to my hand, as though I had cut it in falling, and sitting down breathed hard, as one does in pain or agitation.

”This lady attempted to escape by the window, Lieutenant Varga, and has apparently hurt herself in consequence,” said Count Gustav, to the man who was seemingly in charge of the party.

It was best for me of course to say nothing; so I just gripped my hand and swayed backwards and forwards in imaginary pain.

”It is a case for us then, Excellency?” asked the man.

”Let your men see that this lady does not leave the room, and I will explain the matter to you as we go over the house.”

Nothing could have suited me better. The two left the room, and I threw myself on the couch. I did not care thirty cents what story he concocted.

They were absent a few minutes, and the official returned alone, bringing my hat and cloak.

”I shall have to ask you to accompany us, madam,” he said, with some touch of pity in his tone. ”I have no doubt all can be explained. But you have a letter I must ask you to give me.”

”I shall not give it you. And I shall not go with you.”

”You will only make my duty more painful by refusing.”

”I can't help that.”

He signed to his men, and as they came and stood by the couch I heard another carriage drive up to the door.