It was toward noon that De Froilette's door opened suddenly, and a tall figure, cloaked to the eyes, glided in, closing the door. In an instant De Froilette was on his feet, and then as the man let the cloak fall apart, he exclaimed—
"Vasilici!"
"Yes, Vasilici," was the answer.
"They are not your men who are fighting in the streets, are they?" asked
De Froilette, a ray of hope in his eyes.
"No; my men remain in the hills."
"We have been overreached," said De Froilette; "but only for a little while. It was a good move of yours to deliver up the Princess, although it might have been wiser to shoot her. There will be many lives lost through her today. She escaped last night. Do you know that?"
"I have heard nothing else since I entered the city," returned the brigand.
"It was bold of you to enter it at all just now," said De Froilette.
"I am used to dangers," said the brigand, grandiloquently, "and I had business with you."
"With me?"