"Thanks. But not so unwise that I can believe in you."
"That is cruel. But what I tell you is the truth. You do not know these people as I do. Do you think that I would dare confide the keeping of the twenty-five millions of francs into the hands of an organization which can be swayed as that one is swayed by the fear of military domination? You saw what happened. One man--Von Stromberg, held their destinies in the hollow of his hand----"
He noticed the slight shrug of her shoulder.
"You may believe my motives what you choose, but I have already written to Russia asking the release of your father. I swear to you that had I succeeded in deceiving the committee as to the whereabouts of the money--had not the American found my hiding place--I should have left Starnberg before morning with you in a machine and have been by this time well upon my way to Russia."
"And I----" she broke in hotly. "They would have believed that I was the thief----"
"What would you have cared, if we had succeeded?"
"We could never have succeeded. Come, Herr Hochwald," she said with an effort at a smile. "We are wasting precious hours of sleep. Let us say no more."
She offered him her hand.
"I am very tired--so tired that I am even willing to forget everything. Tonight at least we are friends. Tomorrow----" and she turned toward the door--"tomorrow it's sauve qui peut--everyone for himself. You understand?"
He caught her fingers and pressed them to his lips.