Lermantoff addressed him again. “The Brotherhood wishes to thank you, Mr. Caruth, for your kindness in placing your yacht at its disposal in the endeavor to regain the treasure of the Orkney. It would be glad if you would answer it some questions about the circumstance at Burndo. I am the only one here who speaks English, so I must act as interpreter.”
Caruth nodded, glad enough to give any information that might dispose the Circle favorably toward him later in the proceedings.
“I’ll answer them with pleasure,” he responded.
Then followed a series of questions regarding the trip of the Sea Spume, and the details of her stay at Burndo, all tending to elucidate every phase of the proceedings. Taken together, they amounted to a cross-examination as keen and searching as any he had ever known in a New York court-room. Under their spur, Caruth felt his respect for the other rising and began to understand why he had attained his present power.
At last the examination ended. Lermantoff translated the last answer to his companions; then turned back to Caruth. “Now, Mr. Caruth——” he said.
During the questioning Caruth had studied every detail of the room, hoping to find something that would show the presence near at hand of the girl on whom he had set his heart; but he had looked in vain. Now at last, with a tightening around his heart, he realized that his time had come, and he summoned all his faculties for the contest.
“Mr. Lermantoff,” he began, “you understand, of course, that I embarked in this enterprise for selfish motives. I make no pretenses. I sympathize with the Russian people in their fight for liberty, but I did not and do not sympathize with them enough to risk my life and liberty for their sake. I came to Russia simply and solely because I hoped to aid the lady whom I know only as Marie Fitzhugh.”
The leader nodded. “Most men have selfish or partly selfish motives for what they do,” he agreed, with a suspicion of a smile. “Your motive is quite clear; I take it you expected Marie Fitzhugh to reward you.”
“I hoped she might. From the moment I saw her, I wanted her for my wife. That was why I kept silence in New York when my valet was murdered, and thereby saved your scheme from being wrecked at the outset. That was why I came to Russia. That is why I am here.”
“Well, what did she tell you? Why do you come to us?”