A face suddenly appeared at the door, which had been stealthily opened from without. Captain Quinnox glided into the room behind the Prince and gently closed the door, unnoticed by the gloater.
“A prisoner?” sneered Gabriel. “Where is your captor, pray?”
“Here!” answered a voice at his back. The Prince wheeled and found himself looking at the stalwart form of the captain of the guard. “I am surely privileged to speak now, your Highness,” he went on, addressing the Princess significantly.
“How came you here?” gasped Gabriel.
“I brought my prisoner here. Where should I be if not here to guard him?”
“When—when did you enter this room?”
“An hour ago.”
“You were not here when I came!”
“I have been standing on this spot for an hour. You have been very much excited, I'll agree, but it is strange you did not see me,” lied Quinnox.
Gabriel looked about helplessly, nonplussed.