"'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 me all I wanted to know.' "'But you will breakfast with me before I take the train?' I said. "'No; that might get you into trouble--serious trouble, if I should be arrested. On the contrary, I must insist that you remain in this room until I leave the building.' "'But you perhaps need money; these disguises are expensive,' glancing at his perfect appointment. "'You are right. Perhaps twenty rubles--it will be enough. Give me your address in Berlin. If I am taken, you will lose your money. If I escape, it will be returned.' "I shook his hand, and the door closed. A week later a man wrapped in a cloak called at my lodgings and handed me an envelope. There was no address and no message, only twenty rubles." * * * * * I looked out over the sea wrinkling below me like a great sheet of gray satin. The huge life-boat swung above our heads, standing out in strong relief against the sky. After a long pause,--the story had strangely thrilled me,--I asked:--