“To learn the name of the man to whom I delivered the jewels,” explained Berchik. “They seek to capture me, to torture me; that I may betray my trust.

“For if they learn the name of that man — a name which I alone know — they will seek to take his portion from him.”

“He received more than the others?” questioned Prince Zuvor.

“Yes,” replied Berchik, “he gained twice as much as any other; and he knows the names of all to whom he delivered a share.”

PRINCE ZUVOR was silent. So was Berchik. Both men listened. They could hear sounds from the street outside the house the throbbing of a motor came to their ears.

Were Berchik’s pursuers waiting there?

“Where do you wish to go?” asked Prince Zuvor suddenly.

“To Australia,” replied Berchik. “If I can elude these Soviet agents, I can easily gain safety. Then I can communicate with the American to whom I gave the jewels.”

Prince Zuvor nodded.

“He should be warned,” he said. “But is it right that you should leave? He may be in danger, and may need your advice.”