I gave him the false letter, and cried, "I can escape this way. Detain them here."
I ran towards the window, tripped intentionally, and half-falling flung the inkstand through the glass.
"Stop," cried Gustav, in a loud voice. "This is not what I want."
The crash of the glass brought the men into the room, and one of them ran and placed himself between the window and me.
Glancing out, I saw James Perry pass the house, running at full speed. My ruse had succeeded. The signal had been heard, although Gustav suspected nothing, and all I had now to do was to waste a little time while I waited for his Excellency.
I took advantage of my apparent fall to thrust Gareth's letter into my bosom. Brutal as the police might be, they still had women searched by women; and my one piece of tangible evidence was safe for the time.
I got up, holding my handkerchief to my hand, as though I had cut it in falling, and sitting down breathed hard, as one does in pain or agitation.
"This lady attempted to escape by the window, Lieutenant Varga, and has apparently hurt herself in consequence," said Count Gustav, to the man who was seemingly in charge of the party.
It was best for me of course to say nothing; so I just gripped my hand and swayed backwards and forwards in imaginary pain.
"It is a case for us then, Excellency?" asked the man.