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 Spernow to go; and I dropped them a hint quietly that they had better do so.

As soon as we were alone, the Captain said:

"I am afraid this may be my last visit, Count."

"Oh no, I hope not. Why?"

"You will not betray my confidence, I am sure. I have received a hint that my coming here is not acceptable to those in authority—to old Kolfort that means, of course."

"Believe me, I am genuinely sorry. It cuts short what I hoped would be a pleasant friendship." I spoke in all sincerity, for I liked him. "But I can understand your position."

"That is not all," he added, and then hesitated and paused. I waited anxiously. "Of course I ought not to say anything to you, but you have been so exceedingly friendly. You may have heard that strange developments are on foot?"

"No, I have heard nothing." I began to take alarm.

"I am, of course, precluded from telling you their nature; but I should ill return your hospitality if I were not to give you a word of warning. You may prepare yourself for a startling change, likely to involve very serious consequences to you personally—if you remain in Sofia;" and his look said more than his words.

"You mean, I am in some danger?"

"Very grave danger, Count, and not you only."

"I may not ask you whom you mean?"

"No, I am afraid not. But there is one person in whom report says you take a deep interest. I beg your pardon for even referring to such a matter. But the danger is very grave and—well, the frontier is very