The San Francisco call., 1907-02-24

"MR. DUCAINEI PRINCE:
had happened. l could see that my
story at once made a deep impression
upon him. When / had finished he sat
for several minutes deep in thought.
For the first time since I had known
him he seemed nervous and i'll at ease.
He was unusually pale. and there were
deep lines engraven about his mouth.
One hand was resting upon the table.
and fancied that his fingers were
shaking.
The Prince of Majors" he said at
last, and his voice lacked altogether its
usual ring of cool assurance, rs Of
royal blood. He is not even In touch
with the political powers of France
today. He may have been guilty of a
moments idle curiosity
Your Grace must forgive me-" In
terrupted, but you are overlooking
facts. The fall over the cliff was pre-
meditated, the sprained foot was a
sham. the whole AFFAIR was clearly
planned in order that he might be left
alone in my room. Besides, there is the
bribe."
together He looked away from me into
the fire.
1T is very difficult position he
declared, very difficult, indeed. The
Prince has been more than a friend to
Blenavon. He has been his benefactor
OF course he will deny this thing with
contempt. Let me think 1t out, Du-
caine"
by all means. your Grace" I an
swered, little nettled at his undecided
air. So far as am concerned, nv
duty in the matter ends here. I have
told you the exact truth concerning it.,
and IL seems to me by no means I'm
probable that the Prince has been. in
some way responsible for those former
Ieakages'
The Duke shook his head slowly.
1T is impossible he said
Your Grace is the best Judge" an
swered.
The Prince was not in the house last
night when the safe was opened" he
objected.
He probably has accomplices," 1 an
swered. Besides. how do we know
that he was not here?"
Even IL he were" the Duke said.
raising his head, how could he have
known the cipher?'
made no answer at all. It seemed
useless to argue with man who had
evidently made up his mind not to be
convinced.
Have you mentioned this matter to
any one?' the Duke asked
ITO Colonel Ray only, your Grace I
"Rayw The Duke was silent for a
moment. He was looking steadily into
the fire. you told Ray what you have
told me?"
In substance, yes, your Grace. In
detail perhaps not SO fully"
"And he?"
HE did not doubt my story, your
Grace / said quietly
The Duke frowned across at me.
Neither do /, Ducaine," he declared.
1t is not question of verscity at all.
1t is question of construction You
are young, and these things are all
new to you. The Prince might have
been trying you, or something which
you did not hear or have forgotten
might throw a different light upon his
actions and suggestion / beg that<you
will leave the matter entirely in my
hands"
abandoned the subject then and
face to face with Blenavon, who was
lettering outside. He at once de-
tanned me. His manner since the
morning had altered. He addressed
me now with hesitation, almost with
respect.
Can you spare me few minutes.
Mr.. Ducaine?" he asked. II will not
y
Il am at your service, Lord Blen-
avon" I answered.
we will go into the hall and have
smoke" he suggested. leading the
way ITO me 1t seems the only place
in the house free from draughts'
I followed him to where, in a dark
corner of the great dome-shaped hall
cushioned lounge was set against the
wall He seated himself and motioned
me to follow his example For sew
eral moments he remained silent
twisting a cigarette with thin nervous
fingers stained yellow with nicotine.
Every now and then he glanced fur
lively around. I waited for him to
speak. He was Lady Angela's brother,
but I disliked and distrusted him.
He finally got his cigarette lighted
and turned to me.
'Mr. Ducaine," he said. want you
to apologize to my friend. the Prince
of Majors. FOR your behaviour this af-
ternoon.''
Apologies TO the Princsr' I ex-
claimed why should I?''
Because this 10 the only condition
on which he will consent to remain
here"
Il should have thought" I said, that