“How do you come here, monsieur?” he asked. “And who——” he paused to peer into Drexel’s white face. “M. Drexel, Great Lord of the Skies, what has happened?”
Helga was safe, and for me at that moment the whole world held no other matter of concern. But there was much to do, for which even the ecstasy of that knowledge could not wait.
“Take this treacherous snake, and have him kept safe somewhere until we can question him. And now——”
“What has happened, Ivan?” It was Helga’s voice from above stairs, and hearing it, I smiled and caught my breath.
“M. Denver is here, mademoiselle,” said Ivan.
“M. Denver?” in a tone of intense surprise. “Where?” The voice was nearer. She was coming to me.
“Yes, I am here, mademoiselle;” and I went to meet her.
On catching sight of me she stopped as if aghast.
“I CAUGHT HIM BY THE THROAT AND SHOOK OUT OF HIM ALL HIS
LITTLE COURAGE AND MOST OF HIS BREATH.”—[Page 208.]