But Renwick had sunk into a sullen silence. The huge creature, whom he had held in such light esteem, had made a fool of him, had reduced him to the impotence of a child. As his mind cleared, the object of the man's actions became more involved. Whatever he was, he had succeeded in preventing Renwick from reaching Sarajevo before the Archduke's party should arrive, but why he should wish to drug a man who was meeting his wishes and giving no trouble was more than Renwick could answer. Still puzzled, he glanced at his watch. It was now five o'clock. The sight of the dial startled him. Had Marishka succeeded in reaching the Duchess or had----? Forgetting his quarrel with Linke in the new interest in portending events, he questioned,
"By wire at Yranduk," said Linke, nodding gravely. "The Archduke Franz and the Duchess of Hohenburg were assassinated this morning in the streets of Sarajevo."
Renwick's knowledge of the plot and the difficulties which surrounded his and Marishka's efforts to prevent its consummation had convinced him that the attempt would at least be made, but Herr Linke's bold statement of the fact shocked him none the less.
"Both," said Linke. "They died before reaching the Landes hospital."
"Who----" Renwick paused, aware that names meant nothing.
The Englishman said nothing more, for he was again thinking of Marishka. She had failed! Had she arrived too late or had her visit to Sarajevo been prevented? And if so where was she now? There was nothing for it but to go on to the Europa Hotel and inquire for the note that she would leave there. In a somewhat desperate mood, he followed Herr Linke into the small hotel at Duboj, for he knew that he could not go on without food, having eaten nothing since the day before. As he hesitated, the _goulash_ upon the dish before him, Linke smiled.
"You need have no further fear, Herr Renwick," he said calmly. "We are now friends, engaged upon precisely the same service."
"To find the Countess Stranhni at the earliest possible moment."
It entered Renwick's head at the moment to tell the fellow of the note in his pocket, but the events of the night had made him careful.
"I beg that you will eat, Herr Renwick," he said coolly. "We have no time to spare."