"I should like to return to the city at once," I added.
"Certainly. I regret that you have been the victim of a blunder for which some one shall suffer. Your compatriot has caused me a deal of trouble."
"I assure you that he is in no wise connected with the present matter.
According to his latest advices he is at Vienna."
"I should be most happy to believe that," was the Count's rejoinder, which inferred that he didn't believe it.
"My friend seems to be a dangerous person?"
"All men of brains, coupled with impudence, are dangerous; and I give your friend credit for being as brave as he is impudent. But come, my carriage is at your service. You are a journalist, but you will promise not to make public this unfortunate mistake."
I acquiesced.
When the Count and I parted company I had not the vaguest idea that we should ever hold conversation again.
The result of the adventure was, I sent a very interesting story to New
York, omitting my part in it. This done, I wired my assistant in
London not to expect me for some time yet.
The truth was, I determined to hunt for Hillars, and incidentally for her Serene Highness the Princess Hildegarde of Hohenphalia.