Khodkine's pale eyes examined Rowland narrowly. And after a pause.
"You are an American, a nation which has blundered into European affairs without cause. You, Monsieur, came to fight for France because you were born for the spirit of adventure--because you live upon excitement and have no fear. Is this not so?"
Rowland thought he saw where the fellow was driving but made no reply, for at this moment Tanya came into the room again, loaded her arms and departed.
"That's a correct statement," he smiled. "And I've surely found it here."
He lowered the muzzle of the rifle a few inches more and saw Khodkine's glance follow it.
Khodkine leaned slightly forward.
"You are taking this money to a place of safety, you say. That may or may not be. But you will not succeed in getting it out of Switzerland."
"Why not?"
"Because it is a long way to the French border. You dare not go into Germany. And the arm of Nemi is long."
Rowland looked aghast and the muzzle of the rifle dropped still further.