severe strictures upon Russell's whole
_personnel_.

Russell, for his part, watched them as well as he could, and listened
attentively, without being in the least offended. He could perceive
easily enough that the priest was English and the other was American.
He longed, in his helplessness, to take them into his confidence. He
was not at all satisfied with his own relations toward Rita, and
thought that if he could only trust these two, who were of his own
blood, he might be safe. And yet he felt the need of caution. They
might betray him. Like himself, they were prisoners, perhaps in a
more perilous situation, and would not hesitate to sacrifice him if
they could gain anything by it.

When he heard of the proposed return to the castle, he felt at first
thoroughly dismayed. Farther thought, however, made it seem less
dreadful, for he hoped that if Lopez were to capture the place and
deliver Katie, his wrath might be appeased, and he might recover his
hidden money; while, on the other hand, he perceived that if the
worst came to the worst and his disguise was discovered, Lopez even
then could not be more dangerous than "His Majesty" had been.

There was something, however, in the tone and manner of these two, as
well as in their general aspect, which gradually broke down the
mistrust and reserve of Russell. He began to feel convinced that he
might trust them, that his secret would be safe in their hands, and
that they might give him valuable information and advice, if not
assistance. Besides, he reflected that chances of escape might arise,
and he thought that he would be safer in their company than in that
of Rita. Finally, he came to the conclusion to trust them. But here
he determined to go only half-way. He would tell them that he was
English, but not an Englishman, and would leave farther disclosures
to the chapter of accidents. If Lopez should discover this much and
no more, there would be no danger, and he might conclude that he
himself had made the mistake, since Hungarian and English were both
alike unknown to him.

[Illustration: The Hungarian Countess.]

After careful observation, Russell also concluded that he would be
safer if he addressed his confidences to the young priest with the
sweet and gentle face. The other one looked less trustworthy, or at
least less inclined to pity. Under these circumstances, therefore,
and with this design, the good man began his advances, moving in a
hesitating way