handed it to him. He glanced at the
signature, refolded it, and said:--

"'You took the Countess Smolensk! to the station this morning. Where did
you meet her?'

"'On the train yesterday leaving Venice.'

"'Never before?'

"'Never.'

"'Why did she not leave Venice earlier?'

"'The count was dying, and could not be moved. He was buried two days
ago.'

"A shade passed over his face, 'Poor De Rescka! I suspected as much.'

"Then facing me again, his face losing its suspicious expression:--

"'Monsieur, I am the brother of the countess,--Colonel Boski of the army.
A week ago my letters were intercepted, and I left Cracow in the night.
Since then I have been hunted like an animal. This uniform is my third
disguise. As soon as my connection with the plot was discovered, my sister
was ordered home. The death of the count explains her delay, and prevented
my seeing her at the station. I had selected the first station out of
Vienna. I tried for an opportunity this morning at the depot, but dared
not. I saw you, and learned from the cabman your hotel.'

"'But, colonel,' said I, the attache's warning in my ears, 'you will
pardon me, but these are troublous times. I am alone here, on my way to
Berlin to pursue my studies. I found the countess ill and suffering, and
unable to sleep. She interested me profoundly, and I did what I could to
relieve her. I would have done the same for any other woman in her
condition the world over, no matter what the consequences. If you are her
brother, you will appreciate this. If you are here for any other purpose,
say so at once. I leave Vienna at noon.'

"His color flushed, and his hand instinctively felt for his sword; then,
relaxing, he said:--

"'You are right. The times are troublous. Every other man is a spy. I do
not blame you for suspecting me. I have nothing but my word. If you do not
believe it, I cannot help it. I will go. You will at least permit me to
thank you for your kindness to my sister,' drawing off his glove and
holding out his hand.

"'The hand of a soldier is never refused the world over,' and I shook it
warmly. As it dropped to his side I caught sight of his seal-ring.

"'Pardon me one moment. Give me your hand again.' The ring bore the crest
and motto of the countess.

"'It is enough, colonel. Your sister showed me her own on the train.
Pardon my suspicions. What can I do for you?' He looked puzzled, hardly
grasping my meaning.

"'Nothing. You have told