He seemed to be peering down at me, as though in curiosity, and I was wondering what could be his intentions, now that he had secured both my money and my papers.
Suddenly ere I could anticipate his intention, his hand was uplifted, and falling, struck me a heavy blow in the side of the neck just beneath the left jaw.
Instantly I felt a sharp burning pain and a sensation as of the running of warm liquid over my shoulders.
Then I knew that the fluid was blood!
I had been stabbed in the side of the throat!
I shrieked, and tried to spring fiercely upon my assailant, but he was too quick for me.
My eager hand grasped his arm, but he wrenched himself free, and next instant had vaulted lightly through the open window and had disappeared.
And as for myself, I gave vent to a loud shriek for help, and then sank inertly back, next second losing consciousness.
The man had escaped with all my precious permits, signed by the Emperor, as well as my money!
My long journey was now most certainly a futile one. Without those Imperial permits I was utterly helpless. I should not, indeed, be allowed to speak with Madame de Rosen, even though I succeeded in finding her alive.