“My wardrobe,” Reist answered, “is at your service immediately we are upon the boat. I am smaller than you, but I have some things which may be useful. Now I will tell you something which will help to explain my haste. When first I saw Hassen and Prince Alexis together I understood that we must change our plans, and I sent for your bag. Your rooms were then being watched front and back. My servant bribed a postman to go to your door and ask for you. He discovered that a gentleman was already in your rooms waiting for you. They are very much in earnest, these people, my Prince. It will need all our wit to reach Theos.”
“We will reach it, though,” Ughtred said, softly. “We are on our guard, and there can be no means of forcibly detaining us. In a quarter of an hour we shall be at Dover.”
Reist nodded. He was examining the chambers of a revolver which he had drawn from the pocket of a loose ulster.
“Let us remember,” he said, “to avoid all strangers and to speak to no one unless compelled. We know nothing of Theos. We are returning to Budapesth, and, Prince Ughtred, there is a revolver in the pocket of your coat also, not for use but for show. We must not be led into a disturbance with any one. Mind, it is the policy of every one to detain us if once the object of our journey is known. In Germany we shall not be safe, in Austria every moment will be perilous. But once across the frontier nothing will avail. I had news from Theos this morning. The people are on fire for your coming.”
The train slackened speed. The lights of Dover flashed out on either side. They drew up at the town station and waited there for some minutes. Reist let down the window and addressed a porter.
“Why do we not go on to the harbour?” he asked. “We are already late.”
“There is a special coming in just behind you, sir,” the man answered. “We shall send you both along together.”
Reist thanked him and turned to Ughtred with a little laugh.
“So we are to have a travelling companion,” he remarked, dryly. “Our friends are not to be caught asleep. We must watch for the occupant of this special train. We shall know then against whom we have to be upon our guard.”
They moved slowly on again. Behind them was an engine and a single carriage. Reist let down both windows, and a fresh salt wind blew in upon their faces. In a few moments they were at the landing-stage.