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As the morning advanced he must have slept again, for the openingof the door
woke him with a start. Alison and theRoylances are not in immediate danger.
He
saw a gleam ofwater and what looked like the spires of a city.
With
somedifficulty he drew the stiff bolts, and one half of the window wasat his
disposal.
He dived into his inner pocketand drew forth a sodden sheaf. You know
this accursed country and Idont.
What if he smashed the glass and dropped into
thestreet?
After that there was silence again, andthen the tramp of what
sounded like a police patrol.
For that he was alone responsible, and he saw
noway out. He had nothing exceptRandals ring, and that seemed to him an outside
chance. I think you are safe now, but it was anarrower thing than you imagine.
Anyway, I think I can persuade himthat Im honest.
He realised that he had
gothimself into an awkward place, from which every exit seemedblocked. Apretty
figure youll cut in a ladys bower! There was ashort discussion, and then the
Greenshirts nodded and stood aside. The rescue party had arrivedand he must
join it. Give me a cigarette, please, said Jaikie.
The Evallonians are not a
politically-minded nation.
That is the job to which I invite your
attention.
Properly speaking, Imat present your enemy.
They regard him as a
piece of antiquated lumber, thelast card of a discredited faction. He
recognised Meleager, the clown of theCirque Doré.
Only in the last resort will
they be victims.
There was nowatcher on the opposite pavement.
At the first
rifle-shot the game will get out of hand. Prince Odalchinis staff-work israther
good.
This was disheartening, but at first he was not greatly disheartened. It
was a bedroom, for there was atruckle bed and a deal table carrying on it the
stump of a candle. Jaikie drew in his head and shut the window. If the place
were kept sealed uplike this no wonder the air was foul.
She has not
beenconsulted about Prince John; therefore she will be angry.
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