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At this moment, to my relief, a servant entered and said to me—

“Your apartments are prepared, monsieur.”

Both men started at this, and both displayed astonishment, Drexel giving vent to a laugh.

“I bid you good-evening, M. Boreski,” I said; and then to Drexel: “Should I meet you or hear of you again, monsieur, this evening’s experience will be in my memory;” and turning on my heel, I left the room.

As the door closed I heard Drexel’s voice:

“My God! you play for high stakes, Boreski.”

Helga was outside, and also caught the words.

“How I hate him!” she exclaimed vehemently, her eyes flashing, and her face set and strained.

“Then you have other enemies—beside me?” I said, with a smile.

The hard look passed away as she let her eyes rest on mine.

“You will not always be my enemy, I hope, M. American.”

“I could never be anything but your friend—even prisoner as I am.”

“Shall I order your carriage, monsieur?” with smiling audacious banter. “My guest has but to express his wishes here; my whole household is at his command.”