Chapter 54

“Tell your man now, in my presence, to refuse all visitors or anyone who telephones. He must say, ‘The Count has gone on a journey. He left no address. Please ring off.’” Slowly and mechanically Told repeated the order, and the man bowed and withdrew. “I am really not sure whether I shall go on with your case,” said Mabuse. But Told hardly heeded him; he seemed to feel a slow poison stealing into his veins. “You are thirsty!” said Mabuse, suddenly. “Yes, I am,” whispered the Count. “You are to drink a mixture of br…