While they were speaking, Hamilton and Sir Rupert Langley came out of the Dictator's rooms together. Dolores knew that the Dictator had been out of the hotel for some hours. Mr. Paulo disappeared. Dolores knew Sir Rupert perfectly well by sight, and knew who he was, and all about him. She had spoken now and again to Hamilton. He took off his hat in passing, and she, acting on a sudden impulse, asked if he could speak to her for a moment.
Hamilton, of course, cheerfully assented, and asked Sir Rupert to wait a few seconds for him. Sir Rupert passed along the corridor and stood at the head of the stairs.
'Only a word, Mr. Hamilton. Excuse me for having stopped you so unceremoniously.'
'Oh, Miss Paulo, please don't talk of excuses.'
'Well, it's only this. Do you know anything about a Captain Sarrasin, who stays here a good deal of late?'
'Captain Sarrasin? Yes, I know a little about him; not very much, certainly; why do you ask?'
'Do you think he is a man to be trusted?'
She spoke in a low tone; her manner was very grave, and she fixed her deep, dark eyes on Hamilton. Hamilton read earnestness in them. He was almost startled.
'From all I know,' he answered slowly, 'I believe him to be a brave soldier and a man of honour.'
'So do I!' the girl said emphatically, and with relief sparkling in her eyes.