err Linke followed, and a
conversation ensued, the import of which was lost upon the Englishman.
But when it was finished, Linke turned to Renwick and explained that the
machinery was injured beyond repair and that the car could go no
further. Two Bosnian policemen who had appeared in the road before them,
now rode up and made inquiries. Renwick shrugged and was about to walk
away with the intention of finishing his journey afoot, when the
chauffeur came forward and caught him by the arm, shouting something in
an excited and angry voice, appealing to the men on horseback and
pointing alternately at the Englishman and at the injured machine. The
Bosnians got down and listened while one of them, who seemed to
understand, addressed Renwick in German.

"This man says that you engaged to pay for any breakages to the machine,
and that you have not paid him all that you owe."

"He lies. I paid him at Ujvidek. Herr Linke here will bear me
witness----" As he turned to address his traveling companion, he paused
in amazement, for without a word, or a sound, Herr Linke had suddenly
vanished into space.

But the Hungarian was screaming again, and what he said must have
impressed the policeman who had spoken to him, for he turned to Renwick,
scratching his head dubiously, and suggested that the matter be further
discussed before a magistrate in the city below. Renwick agreed, gave
the policeman his card with the word that he would find him at the
Europa Hotel and leaving his suitcase in the car as security for his
appearance when summoned went hurriedly down the hills toward the city.
The colloquy had occupied some moments, but when Renwick came to a
straight reach of road which led toward the tobacco factory buildings he
was surprised to find that Herr Linke was nowhere in sight. The man was
an enigma, a curious mixture of desperado and buffoon, but his sudden
disappearance without a word of thanks, apology or explanation, gave
Renwick something to puzzle over as he made his way to the bridge. Its
possible significance escaped him until he had reached the river, when,
a thought suddenly occurring to him, he put his hand into the breast
pocket of his coat, feeling for the note from Marishka. It was gone! He
hunted, feverishly, one pocket after another, and was on the point of
going back for a search of the machine when the truth suddenly dawned.
Herr Linke had taken it from him, last night when he slept--had drugged
him that he mi