He conveyed this belief to Dangloss, and a close watch was set upon the fellow.

More than once during the long afternoon John Tullis found himself wishing that he had that dare-devil, thoroughbred young countryman of his, Truxton King, beside him; something told him that the young man would prove a treasure in resourcefulness and activity.
Late in the afternoon, a telegram was brought to Tullis which upset all of their calculations and caused the minister of police to swear softly in pure disgust.

It was from the Countess Marlanx herself, sent from Porvrak, a station far down the railway, in the direction of Vienna.

It was self-explanatory: "I am going to Schloss Marlanx, there to end my days.

There is no hope for me.