Page:Krakatit (1925).pdf/274

 “Mon prince,” Prokop interrupted him politely, “as you know, I am not here in the enviable position of a free man. I think that under the circumstances I’ve no cause to have faith”

“Y-yes,” sighed Oncle Rohn, pleased with the turn that the conversation had taken. “You’re perfectly right. You are up against the painful fact that you’re a prisoner, eh? You know, that’s just what I was going to speak about. My dear friend, as far as I’m concerned From the very beginning  I passionately condemned this idea of keeping you  in captivity. It’s illegal, brutal and in view of your importance, simply inexcusable, I took various steps  some time ago, you understand,” he added quickly. “I intervened in the highest places but in view of a certain international tension the higher officials are in a panic. You are confined here under the accusation of espionage. Nothing can be done,” and the Prince bent down to Prokop’s ear, “unless you can succeed in escaping. Trust me, and I’ll provide the means. I give you my word.”

“What means?” Prokop threw out carelessly.

“I shall simply arrange it myself. I’ll take you in my car—and they can’t stop me, you understand. The rest later. Where do you want to go?”

“Leave it; I don’t want to go away,” answered Prokop definitely.

“Why?” said Oncle Charles, surprised.

“To begin with I don’t want you, Prince, to take any risks. A person like yourself”

“And in the second place?”