“Yes.”

“She must cross to the Continent to-night before the police get on the scent.  Afterwards she must double back to Havre and take the Bordlaise for New York on Saturday.  Once there I can guarantee her protection.”

“Well?”

“She cannot go alone.”

“You mean that I should go with her?”

“Yes!  Get her right away, and I will employ special detectives and have the matter cleared up, if ever it can be.  But if she remains here I fear that nothing can save her from the horror of an arrest, even if afterwards we are able to save her.  You yourself risk much, Brott.  The only question that remains is, will you do it?”

“At her bidding—­yes!” Brott declared.

“Wait here,” the Prince answered.

CHAPTER XXXIX

Saxe Leinitzer returned to the morning-room, and taking the key from his pocket unlocked the door.  Inside Lucille was pale with fury.

“What!  I am a prisoner, then!” she exclaimed.  “How dare you lock me in?  This is not your house.  Let me pass!  I am tired of all this stupid espionage.”

The Prince stood with his back to the door.

“It is for your own sake, Lucille.  The house is watched.”

She sank into a low chair, trembling.  The Prince had all the appearance of a man himself seriously disturbed.

“Lucille,” he said, “we will do what we can for you.  The whole thing is horribly unfortunate.  You must leave England to-night.  Muriel will go with you.  Her presence will help to divert suspicion.  Once you can reach Paris I can assure you of safety.  But in this country I am almost powerless.”

“I must see Victor,” she said in a low tone.  “I will not go without.”

The Prince nodded.

“I have thought of that.  There is no reason, Lucille, why he should not be the one to lead you into safety.”

“You mean that?” she cried.

“I mean it,” the Prince answered.  “After what has happened you are of course of no further use to us.  I am inclined to think, too, that we have been somewhat exacting.  I will send a messenger to Souspennier to meet you at Charing Cross to-night.”

She sprang up.

“Let me write it myself.”

“Very well,” he agreed, with a shrug of the shoulders.  “But do not address or sign it.  There is danger in any communication between you.”

She took a sheet of note-paper and hastily wrote a few words.

“I have need of your help.  Will you be at Charing Cross at twelve o’clock prepared for a journey.—­Lucille.”

The Prince took the letter from her and hastily folded it up.

“I will deliver it myself,” he announced.  “It will perhaps be safest.  Until I return, Lucille, do not stir from the house or see any one.  Muriel has given the servants orders to admit no one.  All your life,” he added, after a moment’s pause, “you have been a little cruel to me, and this time also.  I shall pray that you will relent before our next meeting.”