Bela Kun swore. "Listen, comrades," and he read the brief note out
to the members of the Council.
"My God! how did you get that?" shouted Szamuelly.
Bela Kun shook his head. "I don't know. It wasn't with my papers
when I left home." He looked round with suspicion.
"What does it mean?" asked one.
Bela Kun sneered. "What does it mean? It means that this White
Knight is going to try to rescue Count Bakocz."
"Well, what does he want to warn you for?"
"I know why," interrupted Szamuelly. "Because this man, this
_bourgeois_, having been successful once or twice in his ventures,
now imagines he is omnipotent."
"Has he always been successful?" This from a man who sat farther
away, a small unpleasant-looking member, Garami, who had just
recently heard of the White Knight from Wenzel.
Bela Kun hesitated. "Well--er--he has certainly been fortunate up to
the moment."
"I see," said Garami. "And may I ask you, comrade, by what means the
dog has done this?"
"In many ways, Comrade Garami. From reports I have had he is as
strong as an ape, as cunning as a monkey, as elusive as a cricket.
He has money, for in one case he bribed the jailer with more than I
have heard of for a long time. Did he not?" Bela Kun turned to
Szamuelly.
Szamuelly laughed unpleasantly. "Yes, comrade. I found the jailer
with the money in his pocket. I hung the man, and appropriated the
crowns."
"As strong as an ape, I believe you said. Why do you say this?"
Again Garami put a question.