"It will take several days to recover both portions," I muttered unwillingly.
"That does not matter," retorted the other; "there is no particular hurry ... now!"
And he smiled grimly.
I dared not raise my eyes to the clock, for I felt the German's gaze on me. An intuitive instinct told me that his suspicions had been awakened by my reluctance. I was very nearly at the end of my resources.
Would the clock never strike?
"I tell you frankly, Herr Doktor," I said in a voice that trembled with anxiety, "I cannot leave the Countess unprotected whilst we travel together to the hiding-places of the document. I only feel sure of her safety whilst she is near me...."
Clubfoot bent his brows at me.
"What do you suggest then?" he said very sternly.
"You go and recover the two halves at the places I indicate," I stammered out, "and ... and ..."
A faint whirr and the silver chime rang out twice.