“Don't misunderstand. There is no sentiment behind this promise. I imagine your protector will sacrifice much for your sake. Simply it is unnecessary to offer you any violence. Do you know who the man is your protector is shielding?” Kitty shook her head. “Has he played the fiddle for you?” “Yes.” Karlov smiled. “Did you dance?” “Dance? I don't understand.” “No matter. He can play the fiddle nearly as well as his master. The two of them have gone across the world fiddling the souls of women out of their bodies.” Kitty sat down weakly on the plank. Terror from all points. Karlov's unexcited tones--his lack of dramatic gesture--convinced her that this was deadly business. Terror that for all the promise of immunity they might lay hands on her. Terror for Johnny Two-Hawks, for Cutty. “Has he injured you?” she asked, to gain time. “He is an error in chronology. He represents an idea which no longer exists.” He spoke English fluently, but with a rumbling accent. “But to kill him for that!” “Kill him? My dear young lady, I merely want him to fiddle for me,” said Karlov with another smile. “You tried to kill him,” insisted Kitty, the dryness beginning to leave her throat. “Bungling agents. Do know what became of them--the two who invaded your bedroom?” “They were taken away the police.” “So I thought. What became of the wallet?” “I found it hidden on the back of my stove.” “I never thought to look there,” said Karlov, musingly. “Who has the drums?” “The emeralds? You haven't them!” cried Kitty, becoming her mother's daughter, though her heart never beat so thunderously as now. “We thought you had them!” Karlov stared at her, moodily. “What is that button for, at the side of your bed?” Kitty comprehended the working of the mind that formulated this question. If she answered truthfully he would accept her statements. “It rings an alarm in the basement.” Karlov nodded. “You are truthful and sensible I haven't the emeralds.” “Perhaps one of your men betrayed you.” “I have thought of that. But if he had betrayed me the drums would have been discovered by the police.... Damn them to hell!” Kitty wondered whether he meant the police or the emeralds. “Later, food and a blanket will be brought to you. If your ransom does not appear by midnight you will be taken away. If you struggle we may have to handle you roughly. That is as you please.” Karlov went out, locking the door. Oh, the blind little fool she had been! All those constant warnings, and she had not heeded! Cutty had warned her repeatedly, so had Bernini; and she had deliberately walked into this trap. As if this cold, murderous madman would risk showing himself without some grim and terrible purpose. She had written either Cutty's or Johnny Two-Hawks' death warrant. She covered her eyes. It was horrible. Perhaps not Cutty, but assuredly Two-hawks. His life for her liberty.