I will give you five hundred if you will release us and----" "And I offer you my--friendship," said the Countess, making a long pause before the last word.
How much of it she meant or how little no one could say.

Any ruse was fair in war like this.

Marteau looked at her.

The color flamed to her cheek and died away.

It had flamed into his cheek and died away also.
"Gentlemen," he said, "you offer me rank, money----" he paused--"friendship----" he shot a meaning glance at the young girl.
He paused again.
"Well ?" said the Russian.
"Speak out," said the Englishman.