"Then, Baron, you know my position. It was not Princess Maritza's cause which brought me to these hills. I am the victim of a conspiracy; but at the same time, my only thought now is for the safety of the Princess." The Baron nodded, and glanced swiftly at his companion.
"I understand, Captain."
Shortly Ellerey told him what had occurred since Princess Maritza had joined him at the Toison d'Or, reserving nothing, not even his own anger at the deceit which had been practised upon him.
"It was a desperate enterprise, doomed to failure from the beginning," he went on; "but as it was, only one course was open to me, to protect the Princess to the best of my ability. Our food was gone, and we had determined to make a dash for safety after dark to-night. That we did not do so last night was by the Princess's desire. Her going must have been in her mind then."
"She took the bracelet of medallions with her?" said Petrescu thoughtfully.
"She told me it was in the tower yonder; it is not there now, so I presume she took it."
"It may possibly secure her safety."
"Vasilici is a truculent villain," Ellerey answered. "He is not likely to forget, or forgive, that shot which saved my life."
"Then you would follow her?"
"Stefan and I had decided to do so when those fellows stole back to prevent us. We should have taken our chance after dark to-night."