And when we are outside of the police-station we cannot know what is going on inside, whether our friend is asleep or awake, and it can do no good whatever to go.

But since you really wish it so much, we are going there as fast as we can, and I promise to take you by the shortest way." Her step grew more firm as they went on and he felt that there was more life in the hand that rested on his arm.

The prospect of seeing the walls of the place in which the Count was unwillingly spending the night gave Vjera fresh strength and courage.

The way was long, as distances are reckoned in Munich, and more than ten minutes elapsed before they reached the building.

A sentry was pacing the pavement under the glare of the gaslight, his shadow lengthening, shortening, disappearing and lengthening again on the stone-way as he walked slowly up and down.