“I think,” answered Kate, slowly, “I think, Ned, that Count Szalaki is a delightful man—who is in very great trouble.”
“Kate is right, Gerald,” commented Mrs. Strong, looking at her husband. “What do you suppose that note said?”
“I can’t imagine,” answered Gerald Strong, musingly. “I shall cable our agent at Vienna in the morning to go to Rexopolis and find out who Count Szalaki is.”
CHAPTER V.
At seven o’clock that evening Posadowski and Posnovitch had entered an elevated car at Houston Street, bound up-town. They were dressed with more regard for appearances than usual. On their faces was an expression of suppressed excitement, and their gestures, as they talked earnestly in their native tongue, indicated that they had a grave matter under discussion.
“I will tell you all that I have done,” said Posadowski, after they were seated. “Part of it you know. You have fixed Rudolph, and the house is ready for us. Did he give you much trouble?”
“No,” answered Posnovitch. “Give Rudolph plenty of liquor, a little money, and appeal to his patriotism, and he is an easy tool to handle.”
“Good!” returned Posadowski. “Now I have sworn in fifteen men who have agreed to devote their time for the next few weeks to this matter. Eight of them went up to Rudolph’s place at six o’clock. At four o’clock to-morrow morning they will be relieved by the others. I have arranged the shifts so that the work will be easy for all of us.”