"For the present, at any rate," Ralph replied. "That charming woman does me the honor to regard me as a benighted idiot."
Tchigorsky dropped into a chair and rocked to and fro, shaking with noiseless mirth.
CHAPTER XXXII MORE FROM THE PAST
Geoffrey looked from one to the other for explanation.
"Won't you tell me what has happened?" he asked.
"As a matter of fact, nothing has happened," Ralph replied. "A little time ago Tchigorsky outlined a bold stroke on the part of the foe. He suggested that it was possible, without removing a single bolt or bar, to spirit away one of the family, who would never be heard of again. Tchigorsky was making no prophesy; he was speaking from knowledge. Well, the attempt has been made and it has failed."
"Who was the victim, uncle?"
"Your cousin, Vera. Sit down, my boy; if you go plunging about like that you will ruin everything. Did I not tell you that the attempt had been made and had failed? Vera is safe for a long time to come."