So Olga went on to tell of old Kobad's final coup and of how the Rajah, receiving news of some mischief afoot, had sent an urgent message of warning that had taken Nick straight to the Palace. Thence he had gone in disguise to the haunts of Kobad Shikan's conspirators, but here he had received a check. Kobad Shikan, fearing treachery among his followers, had taken elaborate precautions to conceal his proceedings, and for hours Nick had been kept searching vainly for a clue. Then at last he had succeeded in running the truth to earth, had discovered the whole ghastly plot barely half an hour before the time fixed for its consummation, and had raced to the mess-house with his warning.
"And that's all, is it?" said Noel.
"Yes, that's all; except that old Kobad has disappeared. Nick seems sorry, but everyone else is glad."
"And what about—Hunt-Goring?" said Noel at last.
Olga's fingers tightened in his hold. "Oh, did you know he was there?" she said.
Briefly he made answer. "Yes, he tripped me. I believe he was half-drunk with opium or something. What happened? Was he killed?"
Noel's voice was imperious. She answered him instantly, seeing he demanded it.
"Yes."
Noel drew a deep breath. "Thank God for that!" he said. "Then you are free'"
Olga was silent.