“Is the change coming soon?” asked Paul coolly.
But there was no reply. Some one had seized the loquacious orator of the kabak, and he was at that moment being quietly hustled out of the room.
After this there was a sullen silence, which Paul could not charm away, charm he never so wisely.
When his patients had at last ebbed away he lighted a cigarette and walked thoughtfully back to the castle. There was danger in the air, and this was one of those men upon whom danger acts as a pleasant stimulant.
CHAPTER XXXIII — THE NET IS DRAWN
During the days following Paul’s visit to the village the ladies did not see much male society. Paul and Steinmetz usually left the castle immediately after breakfast and did not return till nightfall.
“Is there any thing wrong?” Maggie asked Steinmetz on the evening of the second day.
Steinmetz had just come into the vast drawing-room dressed for dinner—stout, placid, and very clean-looking. They were alone in the room.