YETIVE


There could be no further hesitation. Something must be done and
instantly. He gently closed the door before answering the third
question. In his nervousness he spoke in English, advancing to
the middle of the room. Impossible to see the woman to whom he
hissed this alarming threat-he only could speculate as to its
effect:

"If you utter a sound, madam, I shall kill you. Be calm, and
allow me to explain. my presence here!"

He expected her to shriek, forgetting that she might not
understand his words. Instead there was a deathly silence. Had
she swooned? His heart was leaping with hope. But she spoke
softly again, tremulously, and in English:

"You will find my jewels on the dressing table. Take them and go
You will not hurt me?"

"I am not here to do you injury, but to serve your Princess,
"whispered the man. "For God's sake, do not make an outcry. You
will ruin everything. Will you let me explain?"

"Go! Go! Take anything! I can be calm no longer. Oh, how can
I expect mercy at your hands!" Her tones were rising to a wail
of terror.

"Sh! Do you want to die?" he hissed, striding to the canopy bed,