Renwick had continued evasive
the magistrate had grown angry and at last had threatened him with the
visit of one who would make him speak. Who was this new inquisitor to
be? Someone in higher authority? Or perhaps some secret service agent
who had finally succeeded in getting some clews as to the murder of the
colossal Szarvas?

Of one thing Renwick was sure--that soon he must make a break for
liberty. Tonight--now--into the dusk beyond the hills. He was not very
strong yet, but it might be----

"Herr Twenty-Eight," said the voice of Nurse Roth at his elbow, "you are
to go at once to your room for examination."

"Thanks, Fraeulein. I shall go. It is the magistrate?"

She nodded soberly.

"The magistrate and another whom I have never seen. They are now in the
office consulting the Head Surgeon."

Renwick smiled at her as he whispered, "I am to be _grilled_?"

"I fear so."

He shrugged. "The time for subterfuge is past." And then, taking her
hand again, "I shall go at once. But whatever happens I want you to know
that I shall never forget what you have done for me."

"It is nothing. Now go, please."

He bowed and preceded her into the hallway. As they passed the office
the door was open and Renwick glanced in. The magistrate was there and
another man, talking to Colonel Bohratt, all of them unaware of the
patient in the darker hallway looking at them. Renwick started, and then
gazed again at the third man leaning over the table facing him. His
figure seemed familiar, his bowing and gestures more so, and yet for a
second Renwick could not place him. And then the man smiled, showing a
gold tooth which caught the reflection of the electric light upon the
table. A gold tooth----

Nurse Roth was regarding Renwick who glanced at the open door behind him
and then at Nurse Roth. The pause was momentous. Renwick quickly
recovered his poise and went on a few steps.

"They wish to see me--in the office?" he asked in a whisper.

"In your room, please. I shall tell them that you are waiting."

"Thanks, again," said Renwick abruptly, with outstretched hand, "and
good-by."

"Good-by?" she asked in alarm.

He smiled over the shoulder as he went up the stairs.

"I think I shall exchange the hospital--for the jail."

He left her standing there looking up at him in wonder or pity, and then
turning the stairhead went on down the upper corridor. There were nurses
conversing here, and a patient or two, so Renwick went