‘Then send it at once,’ he counselled. ‘You may delay, Mouraki will not.’
I was struck with his advice; but I was also bent on carrying out my reconnaissance of the cottage.
‘I’ll send it directly I come back,’ said I, and I ran to the angle of the wall, climbed up, and started at a quick walk through the wood. I met nobody till I was almost at the cottage. Then I came suddenly on a sentry; another I saw to the right, a third to the left. The cottage seemed ringed round with watchful figures. The man barred my way.
‘But I am going to see the lady—Madame Stefanopoulos,’ I protested.
‘I have orders to let nobody pass,’ he answered. ‘I will call the officer.’
The officer came. He was full of infinite regrets, but his Excellency’s orders were absolute. Nay, did I not think they were wise? This man was so desperate a criminal, and he had so many friends. He would, of course, try to communicate with his wife.
‘But he can’t expect his wife to help him,’ I exclaimed. ‘He wanted to murder her.’
‘But women are forgiving. He might well persuade her to help him in his escape; or he might intimidate her.’
‘So I’m not to pass?’
‘I’m afraid not, my lord. If his Excellency gives you a pass it will be another matter.’