Drexel’s desperate eyes fell upon the electric-light key beside the doorway. He sprang swiftly forward, and the room was filled with blackness. He disliked leaving the countess to face the trouble alone, but his first duty was to Sonya. He made for the door, and his shoulder brushed the captain’s. “Excuse me,” he said, and was gone. Berloff started to rush after him, but the countess, who had caught his pistol, now caught his arm. “It’s all right,” she whispered. “I’ll tell you.” He turned on the light and gave her a quick, penetrating look. Then he wheeled upon Captain Nadson, which well-disciplined officer was seeing nothing he was not supposed to see. “Captain, wait a moment in the study.” The captain bowed and withdrew. “Quick!” breathed the countess. “Order me a sleigh!” “What for?” “Order first. Then I’ll explain. A sleigh with one horse--and not too fast--and no driver.” The prince took up the telephone from his desk and gave the order. “Now, tell me.” “He has fallen right into my trap!” the countess whispered. “He has found out where Borodin is--but no more.” “Then he does not guess----” “No. I quizzed him about you,” she went on rapidly. “He thinks you are only what you pretend to be. Here’s my plan. He’s going to fly at once with his information. I am going to take him with me in the sleigh. We’re confederates, you know. You discover that some papers have been stolen--by whom, you have no idea. You have the robbers pursued. We shall go toward the railroad station. You must give orders that I am not to be hurt. As for him----” “Oh, I shall give the right orders for him!” said the prince grimly. “And when we discover who the dead man is I shall be properly horrified at the terrible mistake. But they will all see it was the fault of his own rashness.” He opened a drawer of his desk and drew out a couple of Government documents. “Take these. It will help if they are found upon him.” She took them. “You have men to pursue us?” “A company of Cossacks is stationed in the village. I’ll telephone for a squad.” “You will hush up my part in this affair?” “Certainly.” “Then good-bye, prince. I’ll claim my fifty thousand to-night”--and with an excited, triumphant smile she hurried out to find Drexel. Drexel had rushed from the room with the desire to tell Sonya of his success before he began his flight. In this he was aided by her watchfulness. The party had all gone into the music room, but she, wondering what had become of him, lingered near the door. When she saw him emerge from the corridor and make for the entry, she crossed to meet him. Her composure was perfect. “I just saw the captain go in there,” she whispered. “Didn’t he----” “He didn’t see me,” Drexel returned quickly. “I’ll explain some other time. Borodin is in the Fortress of Peter and Paul.” Her eyes glowed into his. “I must go at once,” he said. “Good-bye.”