"You have asked me the wrong question, Miss Hilman," he said hoarsely, "and I shall not answer it."
"Then," exclaimed Clara, "either leave me at once, or proceed in your own way to tell me what I wish to know. I have been days in my search, and I can listen to you for the whole of this evening if it is necessary in order to learn what I must know."
"Suppose I should tell you," said Poubalov, slowly, "that I can lay my hands upon Strobel at any moment. What would you say?"
"I should bid you to bring him to me."
Poubalov shook his head.
"I should not do it," he said.
[CHAPTER XXIII.]
AT ONE O'CLOCK A.M.