ke proper preparations to leave at once--secretly--you
understand. I will secure the necessary papers."

"_Zu befehl_, Excellency----"

Without waiting to hear the conclusion of the interview Marishka moved
away from the window to the further end of the room, and when Goritz
came some moments later she stood looking out upon the traffic of the
street. Fortunately dissimulation was not difficult, as the growing
darkness of the room hid her face.

"We are too late," said Captain Goritz. "The Archduke's train has gone."

"How terrible!" muttered Marishka.

"Are you prepared to go on, Countess Strahni?"

"Yes--yes, if----" she paused.

"To Sarajevo--tonight--at once?"

"Yes--at once."

She realized that she was repeating his words like a parrot, but she
seemed to be speaking, moving as in a dream. Captain Goritz came closer
and examined her face in the dim light of the window.

"You are tired?"

"A little----"

"I am sorry. I wish I could spare you further trouble."

"It does not matter."

Her voice was very close to tears.

He paused uncertainly for a moment.

"Countess Strahni, we leave at eight by the night train. I shall make
arrangements for your comfort, a sleeping compartment. In the meanwhile
you may go upstairs to a guest room of the Embassy and rest. If you will
write a note asking for a valise with necessary articles of apparel, I
will see that it is brought to you. A dark suit and heavy veil."

He walked to the side of the room and touched a button. "You see," he
said with a smile, "I am trusting you."

"You are very kind."

"_Bitte_. You will not mention the Embassy."

"No."

A man-servant appeared.

"His Excellency wishes the Countess Strahni to occupy a room upstairs.
You will inform one of the upstairs maids that everything is to be done
for her comfort. You will also bring to his Excellency's office a note
which Countess Strahni will write."

The man bowed, then stood aside while Marishka went out.

"At half-past seven, Countess----"

She nodded over her shoulder to where the German stood with bowed head
looking after her.

CHAPTER X

DIAMOND CUTS DIAMOND

Captain Leo Goritz made it a habit to neglect no detail. There was but a
little more than an hour of time, but he acted swiftly. At his request
the Ambassador procured money, and from the War Ministry the necessary
papers, a safe conduct for an officer of the Fifteenth Army Corps,
returning to his regiment at