I need not tell you that the subject is a very serious one." "I quite appreciate its importance, sir," I answered.
"The particular documents of which we have news from Paris," Lord Chelsford continued, "are those having reference to the proposed camp at Winchester and the subway at Portsmouth.

I understand, Mr.Ducaine, that these were drafted by you, and placed in a safe in the library of Rowchester on the evening of the eighteenth of this month." "That is so, sir," I answered.

"And early the next morning I reported to the Duke that the papers had been tampered with." There was a dead silence for several moments.

Lord Chelsford glanced at the Duke, who sat there imperturbable, with a chill, mirthless smile at the corner of his lips.

Then he looked again at me, as though he had not heard aright.
"Will you kindly repeat that, Mr.Ducaine ?" he said.
"Certainly, sir," I answered.