h the very
veins in his forehead were swollen with anger.

"A canard of the sort has reached my ears," he remarked. "Some English
boy, I believe, imagined or dreamed that he saw some such meeting. We
scarcely need, I think, to discuss this seriously."

"Personally I agree with you," Monsieur Grisson said smoothly. "My
ministry, however, seem to have been a little impressed by the boy's
story. An autograph letter from the Czar, denying it, would perhaps make
our negotiations more easy."

"It shall be forthcoming," the Prince remarked, rising. "By the by, I
hear reports of great activity from Cherbourg. More manoeuvres, eh?"

Monsieur Grisson shrugged his shoulders.

"Our new naval chief," he remarked, "is a marvel of industry. You know
the English proverb about the new broom, eh?"

The Prince bowed.

"During the next few hours," he remarked, "many things may happen. You
will be always accessible?"

"I shall not leave my post, Prince!" Monsieur Grisson answered. "You
will find me here at any time!"

CHAPTER XIV

THE MAN WHO SAVED HIS COUNTRY

On the following morning the inhabitants of London, Paris, Berlin, and
St. Petersburg for a sum varying from a halfpenny to a penny were
treated to sensationalism as thrilling as any six-shilling shocker hot
from the press and assured of its half-million circulation. One English
and one French newspaper outdid their competitors by publishing side by
side with their account of the exploits of the Russian fleet a
marvellous but circumstantial story of a meeting and alliance between
the rulers of Germany and Russia. The eyes of the whole world were
turned towards Kiel, and more wonderful rumors still flashed backwards
and forwards along the wires throughout Europe. A great mobilization can
be kept secret up to a certain point, but when men and ships are
collected and ready the truth must out.

At an unusually early hour Monsieur Grisson, supported now by two
members of his ministry, received a visit from the Russian and German
Ambassadors, Prince Korndoff and Count von Munchen. The usual
compliments were quickly exchanged.

"I have asked my friend Count von Munchen to accompany me," Prince
Korndoff explained, "because we are here to speak with you on a matter
concerning which our interests are identical. You have read the demands
which England has dared to lay before my master with reference to the
encounter in the North Sea."

Monsieur Grisson bowed.

"I ha