e must forgive me," I interrupted, "but you are overlooking
facts. The fall over the cliff was premeditated, 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."

The Duke folded his hands nervously together. He looked away from me
into the fire.

"It is a 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 it out, Ducaine."

"By all means, your Grace," I answered, a little nettled at his
undecided air. "So far as I am concerned, my duty in the matter ends
here. I have, told you the exact truth concerning it, and it seems to
me by no means improbable that the Prince has been in some way
responsible for those former leakages."

The Duke shook his head slowly.

"It is impossible," he said.

"Your Grace is the best judge," I answered.

"The Prince was not in the house last night when the safe was opened, he
objected.

"He probably has accomplices," I answered. "Besides, how do we know
that he was not here?"

"Even if he were," the Duke said, raising his head, "how could he have
known the cipher?"

I made no answer at all. It seemed useless to argue with a man who had
evidently made up his mind not to be convinced.

"Have you mentioned this matter to any one?" the Duke asked.

"To Colonel Ray only, your Grace," I answered.

"Ray!" 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," I said quietly.

The Duke frowned across at me.

"Neither do I, Ducaine," he declared. "It is not a question of veracity
at all. It is a 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. I beg that you will
leave the matter entirely in my hands."

I abandoned the subject then and there. But as I left the room I came
face to face with Blenavon, who was loitering outside. He at once
detained me. His manner since the morning had altered. He addressed me
now with hesitation, almost with respect.

"Can you spare me a few minute