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 "I think I can find out all. I am sure to know some of the men," he said.

I sent him after Spernow, and stood back in the shadow to wait with such patience as I could command. My excitement and fear made me like a madman, till I felt I could almost have rushed single-*handed against the troops and tried to hack my way into the house.

"This means devilish mischief, Count," said Zoiloff in a hushed tone. "You will be the next."

"I care nothing for myself, but I will save her," I said between my teeth.

Spernow came back in a few minutes.

"I can learn nothing. The men have orders to hold their tongues. But the Princess is not in the house; at least I gather that."

"Then why the devil do they guard it?" cried Zoiloff fiercely.

"They may be waiting for orders where to go next."

"It will be to your house, Count. You mustn't return there, but fly at once and leave us to settle this."

"When I leave you either I shall be dead or the Princess will be safe," I answered hotly. "Let us wait for Markov; he is a shrewd, cunning fellow, and may find out something."

"I am anxious about Mademoiselle Broumoff, Count," said Spernow, eager, as I could see, to get tidings of her. I sympathised with him, as well may be understood.

"Go in quest of her at once," I said; "and, when you can, return to my house, and we will thresh out some plan of action. We may have news by then."