“Don’t worry, my son, I am going back to Kiev to look after her.”
“You!”
“Yes, and I am the only one of you all who can do this thing successfully. I know the language, the people, the country. I shall buy clothes from this peasant — drive the car as far as the outskirts of Vinnitsa tonight, and then abandon it — walk into the town, and take a fourth-class ticket on the train like any kulak; tomorrow morning I shall be in Kiev. If Marie Lou is still at the hotel I will place her under the protection of the British Consul immediately — if not, I will find her for you.”
For a moment Richard was silent — then he turned and faced the Duke. “I say — that’s splendid of you, but I just can’t leave Russia without Marie Lou; let me come, too?”
De Richleau shook his head. “No, Richard. I would rather go alone.”
“Please — ? Hullo — what’s that?”
“Only the big ’plane again.”
“No, it’s not!” Richard was peering up through the trees. “It’s a different one — quite different.”
“Well, what of it?”
“But it’s extraordinary. It’s got a note just like my own ’plane. Look! There she is!” Richard pointed excitedly. “By Jove — it is!”