"It seems complications are likely to arise."
"It is not too late for you to draw out," replied Sobieska coldly.
"I am no quitter." Carter's jaws set grim and hard. Then catching an elusive humor in the fact that, even as one who might become unfriendly to him, he should have to accompany this man to Paris, he smiled. So did Sobieska and a cordial understanding was reëstablished.
Paris was reached. Familiar as New York to Carter, he had no difficulty in guiding his companion directly to the rendezvous near the Quai D'Orsay.
Although their friends were not yet arrived, they found a corps of servants had already arranged the house for their reception. As Sobieska was known to the majestic butler, the travelers had no difficulty in immediately establishing themselves in the quarters intended for them.
As night drew on, the others came trooping in, ready to do justice to anything eatable the chef could purvey.
"We had an unexpected rencontre just as we alighted from the train," said Trusia. She leaned forward from her place at the table to speak to Count Sobieska. In doing so, her eyes met Carter's. They were filled with a gentle regard—a more than friendliness.
"With whom?" asked her Minister of Private Intelligence anxiously, for this city was the centre of international intrigue and espionage.
"You remember General Vladimar, the former Russian commandant at Schallberg? It was he. He was very cordial; as cordial as a dangerous Russian always is."
Sobieska, in assenting, drew in his breath with a sibilant sound through pursed lips.