“Why do you stay here?”
“I have work to do. While I still possess sufficient freedom to aid those friends of the old regime, I shall stay.
“The invisible meshwork of the Red organization has been growing closer. Soon it will close — threatening to ensnare me. Then I shall leave — as Berchik left; by a way known only to myself.”
“In the meantime,” said Lamont Cranston thoughtfully, “you must remember that I am your friend. While it would be inadvisable for me to become entangled in the snare of which you speak, still, I may be able to help you.”
Prince Zuvor bowed in appreciation.
“Those words are welcome, sir,” he said. “Our acquaintance has been a short one; but the emblem which you carry beneath your ring is a token that I recognize. Perhaps, when we meet again, I shall propose certain plans which — “
“Very good. You can always reach me by a message to the Cobalt Club. At present I am staying away from my home; in fact, I am constantly in and out of New York during the daytime.”
LAMONT CRANSTON rose, as though about to leave. Prince Zuvor stopped him with an upraised hand.
“The danger does not lie in coming here,” he said. “The real risk is in departing. You will be watched, to-night, if you leave this house as you came in — “
“I shall assume that risk,” replied Cranston.