Rowland heard her murmur again.
"Ach. It is unbelievable. Alone--you, Madame ... so frail--and wounded, too."
"I was hurt and frightened, Excellency," Rowland heard her say as her voice gathered strength. "But it was not difficult."
"Very easy. So. It is a pity I am such a credulous old man, nicht wahr? I am growing old. I am losing my cunning. What a pity!"
"I tell you the truth, Excellency."
"You surprise me. But I am suspicious. It is my trade--to believe in the universality of the lie, which is the basis of all successful intrigue. You will pardon me, Madame, but I do not believe you." And then in a quick concentrated tone, menacing--vicious, "Who helped you across those roofs, Madame? Herr Rowland, nicht wahr?"
"No."
"Herr Rowland----!"
"I did not see him."
"You lie! Answer me."