“With your friend at the Hague, doubtless?”
I made no answer.
“Inquiries have been made as to this friend. She is known, but has disappeared since yesterday.”
“What!” I exclaimed, “Biddy gone? And what of—”
“In company with a young lady,” said the burgomaster, eyeing me sternly. “Prisoner, I demand to know where these persons have gone.”
“I do not know,” said I, and my own bewilderment might have answered for my sincerity.
“I do not believe that,” said the burgomaster. “A messenger arrived at her inn with a letter early yesterday, and she and the lady left, it is said by boat, soon after. Do you deny that you sent that message?”
“I do.”
“Do you deny that you know who did?”
“I do.”