id me in making this
arrest."

"What right have you to assume that I should give shelter to Baron
Domiloff?" Reist asked, quietly.

"I regret to say that he is known to be in this house," Ruttens
answered. "Further, the fact that you, Duke, were also known to be
here when every loyal Thetian is under arms, compelled me to assume
that your attitude towards this Russian spy was not inimical."

Reist started as though struck. Immediately afterwards Ruttens'
attention was attracted by the sound of stealthy footsteps in the
further corner of the apartment. He half drew his sword and peered
forward.

"Who is that?" he asked. "Duke of Reist, I have spared you the
indignity of filling your house with police, but I must call upon you
at once to hand over my prisoner. If not I shall summon my men. I have
only to----"

He was powerless to utter another syllable. A strong pair of arms were
around his neck, and a handkerchief thrust into his mouth. He only
looked towards Reist, but the look was such that Reist felt the
shameful colour flood his cheeks.

Hassen's dagger gleamed blue in the twilight, but Reist held out his
hand.

"Listen," he said, "bind and gag him, and then escape by the western
entrance. But no violence. He is an old man."

Hassen shrugged his shoulders, but Domiloff hastened to assent.

"There is no need to hurt him," he said. "Keep him here quietly for a
while. I will order my men into the hall in case that motley crew
below try to force an entrance. Countess, will you be showing our
friend the way to the western exit? Reist, you must watch this man."

They hurried away. Reist stood quite still for a moment. His heart was
thumping against his side. He bent over Ruttens and lifted the gag
from his mouth.

"What was the signal to your men that they should follow you?" he
whispered.

Ruttens caught his breath for a moment.

"A--broken window."

Reist seized a paper-weight from his table and dashed it through the
nearest pane. The glass fell with a crash into the street below. There
was an answering shout and a rush of feet. Domiloff rushed breathless
in.

"What has happened?" he exclaimed.

"A stone thrown from the street below," he answered. "Quick, Domiloff,
and escape. They are streaming in below. Why, they are fighting
already."

Domiloff was pale with fear, but he forced a smile.

"I have friends in the city," he said. "They will not see me taken.
Farewell, Reist! Remember!"

He has