152
THE SURAKARTA
I suspected, this noon, when I saw that Baraka had changed halfway from the European clothing in which I saw him first to the native jacket—the cabaya, I believe it is called in your future country—that in his bewilderment and terror he had reverted to primeval ways in more than dress alone. I expected to receive some such message. However, Miss Regan, we are not in Java. We are in Chicago, where, surrounded by a strong and reasonably efficient force of police, assassination is not easily carried out."
She came nearer impulsively.
"I hope you are not counting upon that in your refusal to return the emerald?"
He smiled again quietly.
"No; for the circumstances of the case,
