CHAPTER XIV
THE COUNT AND HIS SHADOW
On leaving the farm Count Zarka rode straight to Rozsnyo. In the hall he encountered Royda d’Ivady, and they went into the library together.
“I, too, have been riding in the forest,” the girl said, “and met your friend, Lieutenant Von Tressen.”
Zarka looked at her sharply. “Ah? Where?”
“He was coming from the direction of the farm, where your friends the Harlbergs are staying.”
Watching him expectantly, she saw his face grow dark. “He had not been to the farm,” he said, for once off his guard.
“Ah, then you have been there, Aubray?” she returned, forcing a laugh.
“I had good reason to go there,” he replied. “A serious thing has happened to Fräulein Harlberg. She was attacked by a wild boar in the forest.”
“So! Then that is what the Lieutenant meant.”
“The Lieutenant?” Zarka exclaimed sharply. “What did he know? What did he say?”