"I was going to do so without any loss of time. You can send the message for me if you like."
"Nothing will be easier. Let me take it down at your dictation. Really I am not offended. You have been deceived and are right to say what you think. Our friend at Hampstead shall judge between us."
He lighted a cigarette with apparent unconcern and sat down before the writing-table near the window.
"Now," he asked, "how shall we put it to him?"
Alban came over and stood by his side.
"Say that Paul Boriskoff must be released by his intervention without any condition whatever."
"He will never consent to that."
"He will have to consent, Count Sergius. His personal safety depends upon it."
"But, my dear boy, what of the girl? Are you going to leave her here to shout our friend's secret all over Warsaw?"