"No," said Rowland good-naturedly, "we were merely removing the notes to a place of safety."
"Safety! And you think these others will believe you?"
"They will believe Mademoiselle Korasov."
"Ah. Is not my word as good as hers?"
Rowland shrugged. "You're wasting your breath."
Tanya returned at this moment, gathered up more bank notes, and saying nothing, went running down the corridor again.
Khodkine moved his feet a little uneasily but did not move. And his expression which had been shifting through all the phases of uncertainty and apprehension, now broke into a smile.
"Monsieur Rowland, I admire your skill and sang-froid. You have a better genius for the game of intrigue than many more experienced. We should be friends, you and I. There is much we might accomplish together."
Rowland laughed and purposely lowered the muzzle of his rifle a few inches.
"Ah, yes, perhaps," he shrugged. He was a little curious for a peep inside Monsieur Khodkine's brain. "What might we accomplish?"