"What is it that you want?" Von Behrling demanded.

"That you travel the rest of the way with us, and speak no more with
Mademoiselle."

Von Behrling drew himself up. After all, it was he who was noble;
Streuss was little more than a policeman.

"I refuse!" he exclaimed. "Let me remind you, Streuss, that I am
in charge of this expedition. It was I who planned it. It was I"
- he dropped his voice and touched his chest - "who struck the
first blow for its success. I think that we need talk no more," he
went on. "I welcome your companionship. It makes for strength
that we travel together. But for the rest, the enterprise has been
mine, the success so far has been mine, and the termination of it
shall be mine. Watch me, if you like. Stay with me and see that
I am not robbed, if you fear that I am not able to take care of
myself, but do not ask me to behave like an idiot."

Von Behrling stepped away quickly. The siren was already blowing
from the steamer.




CHAPTER VI

VON BEHRLING IS TEMPTED