Kaufmann observed the look and laughed.
“I am a mind reader,” he said cheerfully, “I will tell you what is passing through your brain. You are wondering whether if those strong hands of yours get a grip of my throat your own troubles, too, would not be at an end. No, my friend, I still have my Bayard with me. And why run the risk, if you should overpower me, of being tried for murder? What I ask of you is very little. Remember, also, that I have but to say the word and you land in prison.”
“You’d go with me,” Trent exclaimed.
“I think not,” smiled Kaufmann. “Jerome Dangerfield and others would vouch for me whereas I fear you would be friendless. And even if I were interned how would that help you? Be sensible and get ready to accompany me to New York on the five o’clock train. I have your reservations.”
It was not easy to explain things to Mrs. Kinney. Trent told her that his suspicions of Kaufmann’s German sympathies were wrong. He said he was compelled to get the dye formulae and would return within a few days.
“I shall come too,” Mrs. Kinney observed. “I left a lot of my things at the flat and I shall need them.”
It seemed to Trent that she was not deceived by his words; and while he would have preferred to leave her in Maine he could think of no reason for keeping her there if she wished to leave. All the way he was gloomy. To Kaufmann’s sallies he made morose answers. Presently the so-called Swiss left him alone. But Trent could not escape the feeling that his every action was watched. He was to all intents and purposes bond servant to an enemy of his country.
“Just a final word,” said Kaufmann as they neared the 125th street station.
“What else?” Trent said impatiently. He was filled with disgust with himself and of hatred for the German.
“Remember that the cigarette case which holds my formulae is a long flat one holding twelve cigarettes. On it is stamped ‘G.H.’ He does not secrete it as you think but exposes it carelessly to view. I advise you to go straight to your apartment and await my letter. It is necessary for me to find out particulars which it might be unwise for you to do. I don’t want you to fall under suspicion.”