"'You've known that happen, little guardian angel?"
"She nodded slowly, with a look full of meaning in her eyes.
"Then I was frightened—as frightened, at least, as I have ever allowed myself to be. I began to realise the vast powers, the widespread nets, of that terrible Third Section; but I was to realise them still more vividly before many hours were over.
"At that moment her father, the landlord, burst upon the scene with noisy German oaths.
"'Thunder and lightning!' he said (among other things), while she fled in terror, before I had time to intervene.
"Then I drew myself up with dignity.
"'I must ask you to understand, sir,' I said, 'that the blame for this, if there be any blame, in wholly mine. I was merely asking your daughter a simple question which I will now address to you. Can you, at once, provide me with a horse and carriage, that I may drive to the nearest railway station?'
"The man's frown relaxed; he became comparatively civil.
"'It's a strange hour to start travelling,' he growled, 'but if you are set upon it——'
"'I am absolutely set upon it.'