"Mr. Hora left for London by the first train this morning."
An exclamation of annoyance escaped Flurscheim. "It is most important that I should see him at once. Most important. Will you give me his address? I must send him a wire immediately."
The colour left her face. She trembled. She was sure now that Flurscheim knew who had robbed him of his treasures, that his anxiety was due to the fear lest the robber should escape him. How could she warn Guy? How could she refuse to supply Flurscheim with the address he asked? Even if she were to refuse, her aunt or uncle would give it. They knew of no reason why it should be kept secret.
Flurscheim saw her hesitation, and a strange suspicion germinated in his mind. "Surely she is not one of the gang," he thought.
His intent gaze increased her discomposure. His suspicions increased. He ventured a bold stroke.
"I wish to make some return for the service Mr. Hora has rendered me," he said quietly. "Facts have come to my knowledge which go to show that he is in considerable danger. If you do not trust me, will you convey to him the warning?"
Again she looked at him doubtingly. "You would be his friend?" she asked amazedly.
"If Mr. Hora will allow me," he answered, and seeing that she still hesitated, he continued earnestly. "Will you not believe me, Miss Challys, when I say that I would do anything in my power to save Mr. Hora from a fate which would mean absolute ruin to him. May I go so far as to say that if you are in the slightest degree interested in his welfare you will not waste any time in communicating to him the message I will give you."
There was a deep feeling expressed more in his tone than the words he used. Instinctively Meriel felt that he was to be trusted.
"I will give you Guy—Mr. Hora's address," she remarked. "I cannot communicate with him myself."