“But all the same,” she added, turning to Estridge, “from that evening I became conscious that people were watching me.
“It was the same in Copenhagen and in Christiania––always I felt that somebody was watching me.”
“Did you have any trouble?” asked Estridge.
“Well––there seemed to be so many unaccountable delays, obstacles in securing proper papers, trouble about luggage and steamer accommodations––petty annoyances,” she added. “And also I am sure that letters to me were opened, and others which I should have received never arrived.”
“You believe it was due to the Reds?” asked Palla. “Have they emissaries in Scandinavia?”
“My dear, their agents and spies swarm everywhere over the world!” said Ilse calmly.
“Not here,” remarked Shotwell, smiling.
“Oh,” rejoined Ilse quickly, “I ask your pardon, but America, also, is badly infested by these people. As their Black Plague spreads out over the entire world, so spread out the Bolsheviki to infect all with the red sickness that slays whole nations!”
“We have a few local Reds,” he said, unconvinced, “but I had scarcely supposed–––”
The bell rang: Miss Lanois and Mr. Tchernov were announced, greeted warmly by Palla, and presented.