happened to venture along those dark passages to the dining-room."

"I don't know either, mother," said Modjeska, shyly. "I had a strange
feeling that I had to go. Something seemed to drag me there."

"Did you hear the conversation?" asked Professor Morris.

"Part of it," answered Modjeska. "Enough to tell me that something
terrible was going on. I was wild with fright. I did not know how I
could help you until I heard that dreadful man say that he and the
other officer would go out for half an hour. And mother, he told them
they could not escape, because the windows were barred, and the door
guarded. Then at first, when I pressed the spring, the panel would not
open. Something had rusted. I worked and worked before it slid,
back."

"A moment later would have been too late," said the Professor, shaking
his head.

"This room is absolutely safe," said the Princess. "There are seven or
eight of these chambers, about fifty feet from the house, under the
garden. So compose yourselves and rest. I cannot leave -- half the
city is searching for my baby - - I can do nothing but sit here in
agony and pray for her return. I know she is dead; I almost pray that
she is, but how can I ever rest until I know?" She bent her head and
sobbed.

Professor Morris cleared his throat.

"I do not doubt that the infant is safe, Madame. No one would