At the same moment my arms were again seized and pinned.

The face of the man on my chest bent down towards mine, and through the darkness I discerned the features of Rupert of Hentzau.

He was panting with the sudden exertion and the intense force with which he held me, but he was smiling also; and when he saw by my eyes that I knew him, he laughed softly in triumph.

Then came Rischenheim's voice again.
"Where's the bag he carried?
It may be in the bag." "You fool, he'll have it about him," said Rupert, scornfully.

"Hold him fast while I search." On either side my hands were still pinned fast.