He entered the room with cold assurance. He possessed himself of the chair which had supported Von Salzinger's legs, and occupied it without invitation. He indicated the armchair beside which Von Salzinger was standing, with the certainty of authority. And the lesser man sat in it, obedient to his visitor's lightest command. There was no greeting between them.
Von Berger's keen eyes searched the room. For a moment they rested upon the door which shut off the other's bedroom.
"That door?" he demanded.
"My bedroom, Excellency."
"Ah! Admission that way?"
"I keep the outer door locked."
The cold eyes surveyed the windows. They were closed. Then his regard came back to the heavy square face of his host.
"Von Hertzwohl has—escaped."
There was no emphasis; no heat of any sort. The lips moved, and the pronouncement was made. That was all.
Von Salzinger started. Then a half-smile grew in his eyes. In a vague way he realized that the Prince's flight was a triumph and vindication for himself. But his momentary satisfaction was damped by the cold voice of his visitor.