tion, but the
politeness of her jailer only angered her.

"I would like to know by what authority you imprison a loyal citizen of
Austria," she stormed. "Your identity seems to have made some impression
upon Herr Renwick, but I would inform you that I at least am not without
friends to whom you will answer for this outrage."

Herr Windt bowed low.

"I beg that Countess Strahni will reconsider that word. I have intended
to act with great discretion. Herr Renwick unfortunately underestimated
the forces to which he was opposed. I am sorry he has suffered injury.
As for you, Countess, I beg leave to recall that those who have
restrained you have treated you with every consideration."

"Who are you?" she asked angrily.

"Herr Renwick has spoken my name."

"You are a member of the secret service of the Austrian government?"

He smiled again and bowed low.

"It is the custom of those in my trade to ask questions--not to answer
them. In this service, however, it will please you perhaps to know that
I am not acting for the Austrian government."

"Who then?"

"I cannot reply."

"You dare not."

"Perhaps. But I am willing to admit, Countess Strahni, that the same
motive which impelled you to Schoenbrunn," he said significantly, "has
actuated both myself and my employers."

"And that motive?"

"The safety of the Empire."

"Austria! But not complicity in this dastardly----"

At a warning sound from Renwick she paused. Herr Windt was regarding her
gravely.

"I regret that I do not comprehend the Countess Strahni's meaning," he
said with a bow. "It would be a source of great unhappiness to me, if in
doing my duty, I had done you a harm. I am not an enemy, Countess, but a
loyal compatriot. I may add that I am prepared to do what I can to
protect you from the results of your unfortunate connection with a
dangerous political situation."

"Protect! You!" Marishka smiled bitterly and glanced ironically around
the walls of the cabin.

"I beg to assure you that I am not jesting. Herr Renwick will recall
that he was attacked one night upon the streets of Vienna. He was also
shot at by some person unknown. The inspiration for those assaults did
not emanate from my employers."

"I suspected as much," muttered Renwick.

Marishka was examining Renwick wide-eyed.

"Shot at!" she murmured.

"The information in Herr Renwick's possession," Herr Windt went on
suavely, "was more damaging to other interests than to theirs