her notes without my permission to the Europa when we
reach Sarajevo?"

"The Europa----? I fail to understand."

"The Europa Hotel," he said with a curious distinctness, "where all
English people stop, and where of course your friend Mr. Renwick will
stop."

Marishka examined him keenly.

"Your prescience cannot be infallible."

"No. But Herr Renwick will come to Sarajevo," he repeated confidently.

He was still studying the road map and she was silent, thinking. But in
a moment he raised his head and shrugged again.

"Of course it is nothing to me. As an English subject he has the
protection of his Ambassador. Even if my orders demanded his arrest I
should be without power to carry them out."

"It is easier to deal with the credulity of women," she said quietly.

"Countess Strahni, you make it very difficult for me--doubly difficult
since I have learned how lightly you hold your promise."

"But confession absolves----"

"With me, perhaps, because I could refuse you nothing, but not with
those that have sent me."

"But why should you be uneasy at the possibility of Herr Renwick
following to Sarajevo?"

"I do not relish the disturbance of my plans."

She smiled a little at that.

"I think I should be a little happier if I knew just what those plans
were."

He did not reply at once. Then he went on slowly, choosing his words
with care.

"My sentiments of respect must by this time have told you that no harm
can come to you. Last night His Excellency, the German Ambassador,
informed me that I shall do a great damage to the friendship between
your nation and mine, if I presume to take you across the German border
without your consent. I have been much moved by his advice. He has
already written to the Wilhelmstrasse in your behalf. I cannot yet
absolve you from your promise since my own actions in Austria have been
far from conventional. Herr Renwick, if he chooses, can make my visit to
Sarajevo most unpleasant. But I see no reason, after our purpose has
been achieved, why you should not be restored to your friends, even to
Herr Renwick, if that is your desire," and then in a lower tone, "I can
assure you, Countess Strahni, that I relinquish you to him with an ill
grace."

"Herr Renwick is no Serbian spy, Captain Goritz," she said steadily.

He smiled.

"Oh, you do not believe me. Very well. You will discover it for
yourself."

"How?" she asked timidly.

He looked at her with every mark of admi