We will follow Sprouse. When he crawled through the window and stood
erect inside the room, he found himself confronted by a tall, shadowy
figure, standing half way between him and the door.
He advanced a step or two and uttered a soft hiss of warning.
"Not a sound," he whispered, drawing still nearer. "I have come four
thousand miles to help you, Countess. This is not the time or place to
explain. We haven't a moment to waste. I need only say that I have
been sent from Paris by persons you know to aid you in delivering the
crown jewels into the custody of your country's minister in Paris.
Nothing more need be said now. We must act swiftly. Tell me where they
are. I will get them."
"Who are you?" she whispered tensely.
"My name is Theodore Sprouse. I have been loaned to your embassy by my
own government."
"How did you learn that I was here?"
"I beg of you do not ask questions now. Tell me where the Prince
sleeps, how I may get to his room--"
"You know that he is the Prince?"
"For a certainty. And that you are his cousin."
She laid her hand upon his arm. "And you know that he plans evil to--
to his people? That he is in sympathy with the--with the country that
has despoiled us?"
"Yes.
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