Frankly, fearlessly, he met her glance as well as the steel-like glint from Sobieska.
"He was my friend," the American said, as though no further explanation could be demanded.
"He was their quarry," retorted Josef vehemently. "Else why the questions to Posner and attempts to bribe, the fortune in bills, the name written significantly across the capital's, the city where to friends and foes he was best known. Had his friend been as careful," continued Josef, who already tasted triumph and liked the flavor, "we would have no more clues. His passion for acquisition, however, has given us additional material." He held up the star with evident dramatic intent.
As Sutphen and Muhlen-Sarkey recognized it they started in genuine surprise.
"King Stovik's star," cried Sutphen.
Sobieska held out an indolent hand into which the eager Josef dropped it for examination. First the obverse, then the reverse were inspected with apparently slight interest. To Carter's appreciation of character, however, it was evident that not the slightest scratch on its surface had escaped those drooping eyes, as it was passed on to the gaping Holder of the Purse, whose chubby hands received it as though it were the relic of a saint. The jovial face was for the first time honestly grave. Reverently he transferred it to the Hereditary Chancellor. It lay before that bristling veteran who turned a questioning glance to Her Grace of Schallberg.
"I have seen it," she said.
"Is it—is it the missing star?" he asked in a hesitating manner, as though an affirmative answer was more than he could hope for.
"It is," she replied with slightly inclining head.
"Then who is he?" asked the bewildered Sutphen, rising from his seat and pointing impulsively at Carrick.