The man had brought me a telegram. I tore it open and found it was from von Krugen.
"Safe so far."
I dismissed the man and returned to the baron with a feeling of even greater exultation and confidence than before. I was like a man drowning who, at the last moment, had pulled himself into safety.
"Well, baron?" I asked as I re-entered the room. "Have you decided to answer my question?"
He was writing hurriedly, and glanced up a moment without speaking, then resumed, finished the letter, rang for a servant, and ordered it to be delivered at once.
"That is your answer. It is a letter to excuse my presence for half an hour. It will give time for our conference. Now, what is your motive, and what are your terms?"
As he put the question he wheeled his chair round so that he could face me as he waited for the answer.