“Let me go and make some inquiries,” said Neeland. “Do you mind waiting here? I’ll not be long––”
He went off, carrying the olive-wood box, which his grasp never quitted now; and presently the Princess and Ruhannah saw him disappear among the ranks of automobiles and cabs.
“I don’t like it, Rue,” repeated the Princess in a low voice. “I neither understand nor relish this situation.” 284
“Have you any idea––”
“Hush, child! I don’t know. That new groom, Verdier, was recommended by the Russian Embassy. I don’t know what to think of this.”
“It can’t be anything—queer, can it, dear?” asked Rue.
“Anything can have happened. Nothing is likely to have occurred, however—unless—unless those Apaches were––”
“Naïa!”
“It’s possible, I suppose. They may have attacked Picard as part of a conspiracy. The Russian Embassy may have been deceived in Verdier. All this may be part of a plan. But—I scarcely believe it.... All the same, I dislike to take a taxicab––”
She caught sight of Neeland returning; both women moved forward to meet him.