the
corridor.

"Before that official returns we must have a plan. I thought it out
while you were behind the door. But, perhaps, it will be too hard a
task for you."

"I'll try it. Anything to get out of here! And I would like to know
what it is you want me to do for you--what about the ghost?"

"I will tell you in good time. Just now for your escape. It is getting
late, and the hours are speeding past. You are in a hopeless trap here.
Now, my trunk..."

"What about it?"

"I am sending it on board the _Mauretania_ at six o'clock, and no one
could possibly suspect."

Jarvis turned to study this curious vehicle of transportation. It was a
strong, well-built piece of baggage, indeed; but to be cooped up in it,
at the mercy of baggageman and truckman, hoisters and stewards--the
thought was staggering.

"You're joking," he began, but she resolutely shook her wealth of hair.

"It's the only chance, and a daring one at that. I am jeopardizing my
own safety by assisting you. Surely, if life is so uncertain for you at
best, you cannot lose by a trial."

Jarvis stooped over it, and began lifting out the trays, to study the
questionable roominess of the interior.

"What about these?" he asked, and as he spoke a locket dropped to the
floor. The girl darted forward to pick it up, and Jarvis observed it
for the first time. Her solicitude seemed unusual to the Kentuckian.

"Did I break something?"

"No. It's nothing. I mean, it's all right. It's just a locket. I broke
it myself yesterday, on purpose. It means a great deal to me, and
perhaps to you. Some day you may know the reason why ... Shall we send
the trays to the steamer by messenger?"

Jarvis thought for an instant. Here was such an utterly improbable
method of escape, such a strange new twirl in his whirlpool of
adventure, that he had to find his bearings.

"I have it now," he explained. "You had better telephone--we must have
someone we can trust implicitly."

The Princess crossed toward the desk telephone on the small table by
her bed, and looked at him inquiringly.

"Ask the operator to connect you with the Hotel Belmont. That's just
across the street. My room is 417. Rusty, my servant, is there. He is
waiting for some word from me, as he knew the possibilities when I met
Jim Marcum. He can be counted on till Judgment Day and then a few hours
afterwards! Tell him to come here at once--mention my first name only,
with no other explanation--that will bri