said. "I regret that it is necessary to request your
Reverence to remain. You will pardon the necessity, I am sure. I
cannot permit His Majesty's secrets to be made known to the public.
State complications often oblige us to take stern measures, and--" he
continued coldly--"you are now on the territory of my royal master."

But Father Murray did not seem at all afraid.

"Do not think of detaining me, Your Excellency," he said quietly. "I
mentioned Baron Griffin. There is another. Both know where I am. Nor
need you worry as to our discretion. We are well enough acquainted
with state complications to know when silence is best. We shall not
speak unless it becomes necessary; but in that event we shall not
hesitate. Don't make matters more difficult for yourself. I shall
insist on the release of my niece, and I warn you that neither you nor
His Majesty may touch either of us and go unscathed. Kindly stand
aside."

But His Excellency still barred the way.

"Your Reverence," he said, after a pause, "I shall stand aside on one
condition: that you will again give me your word that you will keep
silence. To-morrow morning you shall have your answer; but in the
meantime not one syllable about this must pass your lips, and Baron
Griffin must not approach the British Embassy on this matter. There
may be no need of his doing so at all. Please understand my position.
I must guard His Majesty's interests, and do my best under difficult
circumstances. Whether the lady be the Duchess or your niece, no harm
shall come to her. Have I your word?"

"You have my word. Unless Your Excellency makes it necessary to act,
we shall keep silence."

"Then," said the Minister, stepping aside, "I will bid you good
morning."

Father Murray bowed himself out. He met Mark and Saunders at the
corner. As they walked away, they saw nothing of the spy upon their
footsteps; but they knew that the spy was there, for they had knowledge
of the ways of diplomacy. As a matter of fact, inside of twenty
minutes the Minister knew what room each man was occupying at the New
Willard. An attache did not leave the hotel all night; and the next
morning the same man found himself in the unusual surroundings of St.
Patrick's Church where Father Murray said Mass.

When the Minister returned to the library his face was white. Wratslav
was in his confidence, and did not have to wait long for information.
For the first time in his diplomatic car