een not
only impudent but ridiculous. One service you have done me tonight. I
thank you. You may do me another--by getting out at the first station."

He folded his arms and regarded her gravely.

"I regret that that is impossible."

"Why, please?"

"Because I propose to go with you to Konopisht, and to accompany you
upon your return."

"You--you----!"

"One moment, please," he said quietly and with some show of spirit. "It
is not necessary that you should have a further misconception of my
motives or of my agility. I did not seek this--er--tete-a-tete. My
servant engaged this carriage. I had not hoped to have the honor of
accompanying you. Unfortunately, circumstances forced a change of plan."

"Circumstances!" she said contemptuously.

He bowed slightly. "As a discredited Englishman, I still possess, it
seems, some interest for certain citizens of Austria. I only discovered
the fact this evening when leaving the apartment of the Baroness."

"You were followed again?" she asked quickly, her interest in the fact
mastering her animosity.

"The object of my visit to you has been guessed. I was followed--but you
were followed also."

"I----?"

"Yes--to the station."

"And where----"

"Booked through to Konopisht not a foot from the back of your head in
the adjoining compartment----"

And then as she straightened in alarm and regarded the cushioned seat
behind her in sudden terror, "But I do not think you need be unduly
alarmed. We can----"

"They are following _me_!" she whispered. "But why? Why?"

"Because of your friendship with the Duchess. Those who plan the death
of the Archduke are in no humor to fail."

"Incredible! And they----" she halted again, breathless with
apprehension.

"I fear, Countess Strahni, that your mission to Konopisht has now become
a difficult one. That is why I thought it better to go with you. The men
who are following you are moving with considerable insolence and
confidence. They will carry out their orders unless circumvented."

"But how?" she whispered, her anger of a moment ago magically
transmuted. "What can I do?"

He gazed out of the window at the blur of night and smiled.

"To begin with," he said politely, "they think you are alone. You see, I
might help you, Countess Strahni, if you could manage to endure my
presence for a few hours."

It was Renwick's innings and he made the most of them. Indeed,
Marishka sat leaning forward looking at him appealingly,