"Kollosaler Halunke!" thundered Windt, his urbanity shattered to shreds. "They have taken the other road. Here, Lengelbach, take this quick. "Hold green motor-car man and woman." Send that to every telegraph station between Brünn and Danube. Relay all messages to Budweis. I'm going there."
And turning quickly he went toward the automobile, with a sign to the others to follow. Very politely he stood aside while Renwick entered, and with one of the men climbed into the rear seat while the other two got in front, Hadwiger driving at a furious pace. For a long time they went in silence, Herr Windt sitting with folded arms, his brows tangled in thought. To acknowledge that he had been outwitted had been galling, but to let this English creature of pipe and monocle indicate, in the presence of his own underlings, the precise means of his discomfiture was bitter indeed. At last his lips mumbled vaguely.
"Still I do not understand," they said.
"A note wrapped around the coin," suggested Renwick.
"Ach, so. It is very probable. The simplest expedients are often the most effective. Still it is remarkable that they have slipped through."
"The green limousine goes to Vienna," said Renwick.
Herr Windt had self-respect enough for a rather cynical smile.
"And after Vienna?" he asked.
Renwick shrugged.
"That will depend upon the efficiency of the Austrian Secret Police."