Over the wire came the distant reply, perfectly clear and distinct:
“Ferez Bey was arrested in his own house at dinner last evening, and was immediately conducted to the frontier, escorted by Government detectives.... Is Nihla with you?”
The Count’s teeth were chattering now. He managed to say:
“No, I don’t know where she is. She was dancing. Then, all at once, she was gone. Of what was Colonel Ferez suspected?”
“I don’t know. But perhaps we might guess.”
“Are you followed?”
“Yes.”
“By—by whom?”
“By Souchez.... Good-bye, if I don’t see you. I join Ferez. And look out for Nihla. She’ll trick you yet!”