"Well, my friend; well." Arnold's expression never altered. "Our troops beat back the enemy in every direction, and the People's Government becomes stronger and more fully recognized every day. It is said that the Allies have expressed a desire to treat with our great leader, Bela Kun." "Excellent, excellent! Come, Stephen, I will see you home. You shall tell me more." They moved on, talking evenly until the people thinned out. "One of Gunzi's men was near by," explained Wenzel. "But now, why come you by an earlier train?" Arnold's face clouded over. "Bad news, Wenzel; bad news. Apor was caught corresponding with the Whites and has been arrested." Wenzel's face turned pale with passion. "The fool, the fool! Why did he? Did I not give him strict injunctions to serve me alone? Now, not only must he suffer for his folly, but you, I, and others of his own people, as well. My eyes and ears cut off from me, my plans prejudiced: if he dies it is no more than he deserves." "He will die, Wenzel." There was a quiet suggestion in Arnold's voice which Wenzel did not fail to perceive. "You are right, Arnold. Korvin-Klein is merciless, there is no hope for him." "None at all?" There was wistful pleading in Arnold's voice. "You liked him, did you not, Arnold? So did I. Now you hint at rescue. But what of my mission here? I have sworn Gonnard shall die, to-night will see the fulfilment of my vow. Afterwards we will go to Budapest." "To-morrow will be too late, Geoffrey; surely Gonnard can wait? Is not the life of Apor more to be desired than the death of a Communist?" "Be quiet!" His voice rasped with anger. "My plans are all prepared. Nothing must be allowed to upset them." For a little while they walked along in silence, but eventually Arnold spoke: "I do not understand you to-day, Geoffrey. Has Gonnard done you any personal injury that his death should be of more importance than the life of one who has served you faithfully? We may not save Apor--I cannot see how such a feat could possibly be carried out successfully--yet it will hurt me always if I--no, I say, we, Geoffrey--do not, at least, make an attempt."