The Dark Star

"I don't think you have understood--perhaps even yet you do not

understand why the papers you carry are so important to certain

governments--why it is impossible that you be permitted to deliver

them to the Princess Mistchenka----"

"Where did you ever hear of her!" he demanded in astonishment.

The girl smiled: "Dear Mr. Neeland, I know the Princess Mistchenka better, perhaps,

than you do."

"Do you?"

"Indeed I do. What do you know about her? Nothing at all except that

she is handsome, attractive, cultivated, amusing, and apparently

wealthy.

"You know her as a traveller, a patroness of music and the fine

arts--as a devotee of literature, as a graceful hostess, and an

amiable friend who gives promising young artists letters of

introduction to publishers who are in a position to offer them

employment."

That this girl should know so much about the Princess Mistchenka and

about his own relations with her amazed Neeland. He did not pretend to

account for it; he did not try; he sat silent, serious, and surprised,

looking into the pretty and almost smiling face of a girl who

apparently had been responsible for three separate attempts to kill

him--perhaps even a fourth attempt; and who now sat beside him talking

in a soft and agreeable voice about matters concerning which he had

never dreamed she had heard.

For a few moments she sat silent, observing in his changing expression

the effects of what she had said to him. Then, with a smile: "Ask me whatever questions you desire to ask, Mr. Neeland. I shall do

my best to answer them."

"Very well," he said bluntly; "how do you happen to know so much about

me?"

"I know something about the friends of the Princess Mistchenka. I have

to."

"Did you know who I was there in the house at Brookhollow?"

"No."

"When, then?"

"When you yourself told me your name, I recognised it."

"I surprised you by interrupting you in Brookhollow?"

"Yes."

"You expected no interruption?"

"None."

"How did you happen to go there? Where did you ever hear of the

olive-wood box?"

"I had advices by cable from abroad--directions to go to Brookhollow

and secure the box."

"Then somebody must be watching the Princess Mistchenka."

"Of course," she said simply.

"Why 'of course'?"

"Mr. Neeland, the Princess Mistchenka and her youthful protégée,

Miss Carew----"