"But I don't suppose Mr.
Rassendyll--is that the name ?--is." "The duke," he whispered, "does not like rivals, sire." "You're right there," said I, with all sincerity.

"But surely you hint at a very grave charge ?" He spread his hands out in apology.

I whispered in his ear: "This is a grave matter.

Go back to Strelsau--" "But, sire, if I have a clue here ?" "Go back to Strelsau," I repeated.

"Tell the Ambassador that you have a clue, but that you must be left alone for a week or two.