"May I ask the cause of O'Dowd's apparent defection?"
"He is not in sympathy with all of the plans advanced by his leader," she said, after a moment's reflection.
"Your sympathies are with the Entente Allies, the prince's are opposed? Is that part of Sprouse's story true?"
"Yes."
"And O'Dowd?"
"O'Dowd is anti-English, Mr. Barnes, if that conveys anything to you. He is not pro-German. Perhaps you will understand."
"Wasn't it pretty risky for you to carry the crown jewels around in a travelling bag, Miss Cameron?"
"I suppose so. It turned out, however, that it was the safest, surest way. I had them in my possession for three days before coming to Green Fancy. No one suspected. They were given into my custody by the committee to whom they were delivered in New York by the men who brought them to this country."
"And why did you bring them to Green Fancy?"
"I was to deliver them to one of their rightful owners, Mr. Barnes,--a loyal prince of the blood."
"But why HERE?" he insisted.
"He was to take them into Canada, and thence, in good time, to the palace of his ancestors."
"I am to understand, then, that not only you but the committee you speak of, fell into a carefully prepared trap."
"Yes."
"You did not know the man who picked you up in the automobile, Miss Cameron. Why did you take the chance with--"
"He gave the password, or whatever you may call it, and it could have been known only to persons devoted to our--our cause."
"I see. The treachery, therefore, had its inception in the loyal nest. You were betrayed by a friend."
"I am sure of it," she said bitterly. "If this man Sprouse does not succeed in restoring the--oh, I believe I shall kill myself, Mr. Barnes."
The wail of anguish in her voice went straight to his heart.
"He has succeeded, take my word for it. They will be in your hands before many hours have passed."
"Is he to come to the Tavern with them? Or am I to meet him--"
"Good Lord!" he gulped. Here was a contingency he had not considered. Where and when would Sprouse appear with his booty? "I--I fancy we'll find him waiting for us at the Tavern."
"But had you no understanding?"
"Er--tentatively." The perspiration started on his brow.
"They will guard the Tavern so closely that we will never be able to get away from the place," she said, and he detected a querulous note in her voice.
"Now don't you worry about that," he said stoutly.
"I love the comforting way you have of saying things," she murmured, and he felt her body relax.