The duke glared at the speaker somberly, recalling what Herbeck had often said.
"What you say still remains to be proved.

Now, what is at the bottom of all this ?" was the demand.

"You men have not obtained this interview for the sake of affirming your innocence.

Herr Carmichael, here, declared to me on honor that you were in possession of a great secret.

Out with it, without any more useless recrimination." Hans replied not in words but in actions.