as under perfect control.

"I bear him no special grudge for that," Domiloff said, "but it was
only the beginning. He has done his very best to oppose us throughout.
He is the King's most intimate friend, he is our most dangerous enemy.
His letters from here are influencing the whole European Press. In
England they have created a sensation, and in Germany also. They have
been translated into every language, and copied everywhere. The time
has come when they must cease."

She felt the significance of his words. She was not altogether unmoved
under his close scrutiny.

"He is an Englishman," she said, "and it is dangerous to interfere
with Englishmen."

"Nevertheless it must be done," he declared. "To-night it has become a
matter of urgency."

"How so?"

"Because, not content with the mischief which he has already done, he
must needs play the spy upon one or both of us. To-night he was at the
Cafe Metropolitan and overheard some part of my conversation with your
brother."

A sudden colour flushed her cheeks. Her eyes were bright.

"He is a brave man," she cried.

Domiloff shrugged his shoulders.

"The difference between a brave man and a fool," he said, "is so
slight. But listen, Countess! You wish his life spared?"

"If harm comes to him through you or any of your creatures," she
cried, with a little burst of passion, "I will go to the King and have
you hung in the market-place."

There was a moment's silence. Domiloff was staggered by her bold
words.

"Countess," he said, "his safety lies with you. I give you this
opportunity to warn him."

"To warn him? But I do not know where he is," Marie protested.
"Besides, he would not heed me."

"To-morrow," Domiloff answered, "I may be able to acquaint you with
his whereabouts. I must at least have him watched and his dispatches
intercepted. He is absolutely our most dangerous opponent."

"But even if he were to receive a message from me, he would not come
if he were at the front," Marie said.

"He comes every day to Theos to send off his cables," Domiloff
answered. "I shall send you word where he is, and you must send for
him. It is absolutely necessary that he come over to our side."

"He is not the kind of man to desert a losing cause," Marie said. "He
would not listen to me."

Domiloff gave vent to an impatient gesture.

"He must listen to you, Countess, or die," he said.

She looked him in the face.

"You will remember my threat, Baron Domilof