"A hundred kroner will make me dumb."
"I am an Englishman," said Renwick after a moment.
"Ah—a spy!"
"No. A prisoner who has escaped."
"That is better."
"Speak!"
And as the man still hesitated Renwick unpinned the notes in his pocket and tossed one of them upon the table, in front of him. Selim took it eagerly.
"I am quite ready to believe anything you say——"
But Renwick seized his wrist in a strong grip. "You have not spoken yet."
"I will speak, then," said Zaidee. "Selim is a fool to hesitate. I nursed the Excellency for two nights and a day. I cooked her eggs and chicken and soup, but she would not eat. She was very much frightened."