"But there is some danger in the task," said Rudolph, looking at me critically. "If detected, your life would pay the forfeit."
"I would the danger were ten times as great," I replied. Estella blushed and gave me a glance of gratitude.
"There is one difficulty I perceive," said Maximilian.
"What is that?" asked Rudolph.
"I hesitate about leaving Miss Washington exposed to the danger of remaining four days longer in this horrible house."
"I will look after that," replied Rudolph. "She had better pretend ill health, and keep her room during that time. It is on an upper floor, and if she remains there the danger will be very slight that the Prince will see her."
"Miss Washington," I said, handing her the dagger which Max had given me, "take this weapon. It is poisoned with the most deadly virus known to the art of man. A scratch from it is certain death. Use it to defend yourself if assailed."
"I know how I shall use it in the last extremity," she said, meaningly.
"Better," I replied, "purity in death than degradation in life."
She thanked me with her eyes, and took the dagger and hid it in her bosom.