This was no time for deliberate thought, however. I knew I must act quickly, and for once I was able to come to a decision with remarkable promptitude. Obviously Paulton and the Baronne were there in hiding. They knew they were liable at any moment to be arrested. And, thanks to Judith, I had discovered their place of concealment. "You know there is a warrant out for the arrest of you both," I said, facing them fearlessly. "I can at once inform the police of your whereabouts--or I can say nothing. It is for you to decide which I shall do." The Baronne looked at me, as I thought, imploringly. "If Vera Thorold comes away with me at once, and you undertake never again to molest her, your secret will remain safe, so far as I am concerned. If you refuse to let her come, then you will be arrested at once." The tables were, indeed, strangely turned. A few days previously these two adventurers had held me at their mercy, and Faulkner too. Now I could dictate to them what terms I chose. I saw a look of dismay enter Violet de Coudron's eyes, and I guessed the reason of it. She and Vera had become close friends, and now Vera was to go from her. It seemed dreadful to leave a young, beautiful, refined girl like Violet in the control of these ghouls, yet I could not suggest their surrendering her too, for was she not the Baronne's niece? And was the Baronne actually a Baronne--or was she merely an adventuress? I had looked up her name and family in the "Almanack de Gotha," and she seemed to be all right, but still-- Then an idea came to me. I would, with Vera's help, and Faulkner's, try to steal the girl away if she should express a wish to leave those unhealthy and unholy surroundings. It would be almost like repaying Paulton and the Baronne in their own coin. These and other thoughts sped through my mind with great rapidity. "Well," I said quickly, addressing Paulton again, "what is your answer? Am I to betray your whereabouts, or not?" He still hesitated, still loth to decide. Then suddenly he exclaimed abruptly-- "Take her. I shall be even with you soon, never fear. I shall be even with you in a way you don't expect." I smiled, thinking his words were but a hollow taunt. Later, however, I also realised to the full that his had been no empty boast. The two girls left the room, and both returned wearing hats and sealskin coats over their evening gowns. Then, linking my arm in that of my beloved, we descended the stairs together. At last she was saved from that scoundrelly gang who seemed to hold her so completely in their clutches, she was still mine--mine! At Judith's suggestion we walked back to where the ball was in progress. As a matter-of-fact I was undecided how next to act. Besides, I wanted to see Faulkner, who was awaiting me.