The men saluted and left silently, and the Princess with the
woman-servant and the two girls, collected dark cloaks and warm rugs.
A bountiful lunch was prepared and packed.

Professor Morris, holding his manuscript, sat searching through one
pocket after another with a mournful persistence. Finally Evelyn noted
him and asked what was the matter.

"I have lost my reading glasses," he said.

"Can't we find them for you?" asked Modjeska politely. She started to
look on the rugs.

"They are not here," said the Professor. "I heard the ease fall out of
my pocket when we were coming through the passage."

"Then we will get them," said Modjeska. "It will only take a minute.
Would you like to come with me, Evelyn?"

"Yes, I would!" said Evelyn, who was nervous and wanted to do
something.

"Hurry!" said the Princess. "I know it is absolutely safe, but I can't
bear one of you out of my sight for a moment."

The passage was very cold and damp, and the girls each put on a heavy,
dark cloak. They threaded their way through the rooms that lay between
the living- room and the passage, and went up the narrow hallway with
the flashlight illuminating the stone floor. The case was found at
last and they were turning to go back, when the sound of an explosion