“I trust not,” the Duke replied evenly.
“That we shall see — at least, the firing squad will do so — I shall be comfortably in bed. It was for that reason partly that I thought to have a last look at you tonight.”
“Well, if you’ve done looking, I guess we’ll get back to our cell,” said Rex.
“Not yet.” Leshkin sat back and lighted a thick black cigar. “To you, American, I wish to talk. You came to Russia for a purpose; with the aid of this man here and the little Jew you reached your destination. There is a possibility that I might save your life.”
“Now that’s real kind,” Rex grinned.
“You have not the Shulimoff jewels upon you,” Leshkin went on. “You have been searched; but you know the secret place of hiding. No man would take such risks as you have done if he did not. Perhaps you foresaw that you must be captured and left them in that place; perhaps you hid them a fresh time when you came to earth in the aeroplane. Where are these jewels?”
“What a hope you’ve got! D’you think I’d tell you if I knew?”
“Why not, young man? In prison you must remain — but that is better than the cold earth tomorrow.”
Rex shook his head. “I guess you’ve got me all wrong. I wouldn’t let on to you, not if you offered me the Woolworth Building.”
“Accept this proposal, Rex,” said the Duke, suddenly.