“You shall know that in a moment. First understand that the mob are still outside—their blood is up. They have just been cheated of one victim, myself, handed over to them in your stead by the cunning of your man and with your connivance. I have but to open the door and speak your name to them: and what they did to me will be a trifle to what they’ll do to you.”
“Anstruther!” protested Ladislas.
“This is my matter, man. Leave it to me, please. If you’d been down under that mob’s feet, you’d feel as I do. Now you,” and Bremenhof cowered again as I turned to him. “Listen to me. Even when I was in danger of my life, I kept secret the fact that you were here in the house; and saved your life. Out of no regard for you, believe me; for I swear that if you refuse to do exactly what I tell you now, I will drag you down with my own hands and pitch you into the midst of the rabble.”
“What do you want?”
“But little more than you promised me last night. Madame Drakona’s release at once, and the delivery of the evidence you hold against her, an official statement that there is no charge of any kind against her daughter here; and a definite written admission of the part you have taken throughout this. You’ll play no more tricks on me.”
“Yes, I agree. I’ll do it the instant I get to the Department.”
“Thank you. I know how you keep such pledges. You will write the order for Madame Drakona’s release here at once and will send it by Burski, your trusted servant, with orders to conduct her to a place we’ll settle.”
“But at such a time difficulties may be raised and——”
“Yes or no, quick. As for the difficulties, you’ll remain in our hands until you have found how to get over them. Burski was clever enough to get me into a mess a few minutes since. Now you can use his cleverness to get you out of one.”
“Yes. Let me see him.”