The atmosphere had cleared a bit.
Acting upon the urgent suggestion of Billy, the scout, Salisky took the straight line in his talk to the Cossack.
“You bought a ring in Warsaw, chief?”
Nikita nodded, tapping a leather pouch at his girdle.
“He is not wearing it,” whispered Henri to his chum.
“We are on time then,” said Billy, with a sigh of relief.
“Of what concern of yours is this bauble?” Nikita was asking. He had taken the jewel from the pouch, and the glittering circlet was exposed in the open palm of his gauntlet.
“It is beautiful enough for a courtier to offer to his emperor,” murmured Marovitch.
“Save the thought!” exclaimed Salisky. “There is death in it!”
Nikita, holding the ring between thumb and forefinger, as if admiring its brilliancy, awaited further speech from Salisky.