The terms in which the matter was being discussed admitted of no doubt that the Colonel’s pretty daughter was at its head, and that the attempt was to be made one morning when the statesman took his usual walk under the trees of the Schweizerhof-Quai.
Geoffrey stood astounded at his discovery. From their conversation it was also plain that at the same time other Ministers were to be murderously attacked in Belgrade.
Suddenly the serious fact dawned upon the young fellow that if he were discovered there he would not be allowed to leave that house alive. Balkan conspirators are not to be trifled with. They hold human life of but little account.
Falconer saw that his only chance of safety was to face the situation boldly. He placed his hand upon his hip-pocket to reassure himself that his revolver was there. Then, suddenly, he stepped forth into the big room and stood before those who had assembled to discuss their dastardly plans.
His appearance caused a sensation almost electrical.
“Why!” gasped the dark-eyed Marya. “It is M’sieur Falconer!”
Next second he was surrounded by the angry company, and in more than one hand he saw an automatic pistol. He was besieged by questions. What could he reply?
He attempted to explain the situation, declaring that he was simply a victim of circumstances, adding:
“I confess I have overheard your most interesting discussion!”
“The Englishman has been spying upon us!” cried a tall, rather elegant man in a dark suit. “If he is not silenced--and at once--he will tell the police! Remember, comrades, he is our enemy!”
“Yet M’sieur Falconer is also my friend!” declared the pretty Marya, springing forward boldly. “I, however, had no idea that he was in this house!”
Geoffrey tried to explain, but the clamour of the others was too great. He told madame that her father was ill, but they only laughed--declaring it to be an excuse. Hence he saw that unwittingly he had entered a veritable hornets’ nest, and that retreat was impossible. If he valued his life he would be compelled to stay and face the music.
He defied them, daring them to lay a finger upon him. But at madame’s urgent request he withdrew his words.
“This house is closely guarded,” she explained, “but the servant, Boris, having seen us together at the hotel and at other places, no doubt believed you to be one of us.”