Prince Zuvor considered. His mind seemed to be formulating a plan, as though he was anxious to suit both Lamont Cranston and himself.

“Suppose,” he said, “we set it one week from to-night. At precisely nine o’clock! Would that be satisfactory?”

“That would be excellent,” said Lamont Cranston. “You will find that I am punctual in my engagements.”

“But let us consider to-night,” said Prince Zuvor. “It was unwise of you to come so soon after your previous visit. That is why I suggested an interval of a week before you come again. I think that to-night you should leave more secretly.”

Prince Zuvor glanced at his watch; it was nearly midnight.

“Have you an appointment anywhere?” questioned Cranston.

“Oh, no,” replied the prince quickly. “I seldom leave this house, as you know. I stay here almost all the time — I and my servant” — he corrected his last statement — “I should say servants.”

“You have more than one?”

“Yes. Ivan Shiskin; the one who admitted you. The other is a German named Fritz Bloch. He is not here at present.”

“Is it wise for him to go out?”