"Sit down," said a deep, coarse voice. "This is safe as a
desert."

"What's inside this ornament?" asked another.

"Nothing and no one. It is not made for anything to get into.
It is all show, my Adolph, all show--like the Countess that our
friend the Wolf loves so back there in Berlin. I wonder what she
would think could she see him here?"

"She will never see him here or there if I can help it," growled
the other man. "I do not forget this bandaged neck, or this sore
head of mine." He laughed a laugh that chilled Porky. "Watch,
Ledermann, watch! I'll not destroy him while he is busy on the
Emperor's business. But some day, some day, Ledermann--"

"Never mind", said Ledermann. "Let that all go for now. What
have you to, tell me? First?"

"First, where is the Wolf to-night?" asked Adolph. "That's what
always worries me most. He will rise at my side in a minute, I
know."

"Not to-night," said Ledermann. "For once he will not be here.
He was thrown from his horse to-day, and is in the Hospital. I
think he is honestly hurt, because he cannot use his foot, and
when I made an excuse and worked my way in, he whispered, 'Not
before Thursday.'"