long. He was dressed in a grey suit and wore a red scarf tied loosely in
a bow. There was something foreign in his looks and dress. At the first
sight one would have taken him for an Italian, but when he spoke it was
apparent that he was an Englishman.

"Princess!" he said effusively, when he entered. Then catching sight of
Giles in the background, he stopped short with a scared look.

"This is a friend of mine, Mark," said Olga, coming forward. "He knows
all that there is to be known."

"Oh! And you promised not to say a word," said Dane reproachfully.

She shook her head. "I promised to save you from being arrested, and I
shall fulfil my promise. Why have you come here?"

Dane fumbled in his pocket. "Your letter," he said, handing it to her.

Olga took it, glanced at it, and finally passed it to Ware.

"I did not write that letter," she said quietly. "Steel the detective
sent it, so as to bring you here. He wishes to resume the conversation
you left unfinished at Bournemouth."

"It's a trap!" cried Dane violently, and swung round to the door. But
there was no chance of escape in that direction. He opened it to find
Steel standing without. The detective stepped into the room and locked
the door.

"Now," he said, "we can have some conversation. Princess, I apologize
for having used your name unauthorized, but it was the only way to bring
this young man into my net."

"Into a net!" said Dane, letting fall his soft hat. "You intend to have
me arrested!" His hand went round to the back of his waist. In a moment
Steel had flung himself forward, and after a short struggle disarmed
him. The knife that the detective had secured was an ugly-looking
weapon.

"You are more Italian than the Italians," he said, slipping the knife
into his pocket; "but you are not a gentleman to frighten the lady."

"I am not frightened," said Olga promptly; "but I am very tired. I shall
retire and leave you two gentlemen to deal with Mark."

Dane sprang forward and caught her dress. He looked terrified. "Do not
leave me," he entreated. "You know that I love you, and that for your
sake I have betrayed a man who has done much for me. You promised to
help me."

"I shall do so," she answered, returning to her seat. "I shall see that
you are not arrested, and----"

"Pardon me, Princess, it may be necessary to----"

"Mr. Steel, this man shall not be arrested," she said, stamping her
foot.

"If I am," cried Dane resolutely, "I shall