Stopping short in his speech, he picked it up and hastily read its message: To BELA KUN, Do not hope to execute the Count Bakocz. I have sworn to rescue him, and I never fail. THE WHITE KNIGHT Bela Kun swore. "Listen, comrades," and he read the brief note out to the members of the Council. "My God! how did you get that?" shouted Szamuelly. Bela Kun shook his head. "I don't know. It wasn't with my papers when I left home." He looked round with suspicion. "What does it mean?" asked one. Bela Kun sneered. "What does it mean? It means that this White Knight is going to try to rescue Count Bakocz." "Well, what does he want to warn you for?" "I know why," interrupted Szamuelly. "Because this man, this _bourgeois_, having been successful once or twice in his ventures, now imagines he is omnipotent." "Has he always been successful?" This from a man who sat farther away, a small unpleasant-looking member, Garami, who had just recently heard of the White Knight from Wenzel. Bela Kun hesitated. "Well--er--he has certainly been fortunate up to the moment." "I see," said Garami. "And may I ask you, comrade, by what means the dog has done this?" "In many ways, Comrade Garami. From reports I have had he is as strong as an ape, as cunning as a monkey, as elusive as a cricket. He has money, for in one case he bribed the jailer with more than I have heard of for a long time. Did he not?" Bela Kun turned to Szamuelly. Szamuelly laughed unpleasantly. "Yes, comrade. I found the jailer with the money in his pocket. I hung the man, and appropriated the crowns." "As strong as an ape, I believe you said. Why do you say this?" Again Garami put a question. Bela Kun frowned. "You are in a questioning mood to-day, Garami." "For a reason, comrade, which you will learn if you will answer my question first." "Well, if you must know, the reason we, Szamuelly and me, believe that this traitor is strong is because he once overcame two of our brave troops, put in charge of a prisoner, by cracking their heads together." Garami grinned unpleasantly. "Supposing I can put you in touch with a good comrade who isn't afraid of this _bourgeois_, this White Knight, as he calls himself. Would he be of use to you, comrade?" Bela Kun thought for a moment. "Would he act as jailer to Count Bakocz, think you?" Garami laughed. "He would act as jailer to the Devil himself if it so be there was good money to be earned." "Who is this man?" "Istvan Wenzel." "Istvan Wenzel!" repeated another member. "Ay, comrade, I know Istvan Wenzel. A good man, him. As strong as an ox and as ugly as sin. His face would be enough to frighten this White Knight away, if it is the man of whom I am thinking." "You are thinking of the right man," Garami agreed. "Wenzel can pick up a man in each hand." "Can you get in touch with him, Garami?" asked the Dictator. "He lives but three flats below me."