wn only to Colonel Ray,
myself, and yourself?" "Yes, sir."

The Duke leaned back in his chair and addressed Lord Cheisford.

"For the reasons which you have heard from Mr. Ducaine himself," he
said drily, "I came to the conclusion that he was mistaken in his
suggestion. I think that you will probably be inclined to agree with
me."

These men had learnt well the art of masking their feelings. From Lord
Chelsford's polite bow I could gather nothing.

"I am forced to admit," he said, "that no other conclusion seems
possible. Now, Mr. Ducaine, with regard to the execution of your work.
It is carried out altogether, I believe, at the 'Brand'?"

"Entirely, sir."

"Your only servant is the man Grooton, for whom the Duke and I myself
are prepared to vouch. You are also watched by detectives residing in
the village, as I dare say you know. I also understand that you have no
private correspondence, and receive practically no visitors. Now tell
me the only persons who, to your knowledge, have entered the 'Brand'
since you have been engaged in this work."

I answered him at once.

"Colonel Ray, Lady Angela Harberly, Lord Blenavon, the Prince of Malors,
and a young lady called Blanche Moyat, the daughter of a farmer in
Braster at whose house I used sometimes to visit."

Lord Chelsford referred to some notes in his hand. Then he leaned back
in his chair, and looked at me steadfastly.

"Is there any one," he asked, "whom you suspect to have visited you for
the purpose, either direct or indirect, of gaining information as to
your work?"

"Yes, sir," I answered promptly.

A little exclamation escaped from the Commander-in-Chief. Lord
Chelsford never removed his eyes from my face, the Duke had still the
appearance of a tolerant but slightly bored listener.

"Who?" Lord Chelsford asked.

"The Prince of Malors," I answered.

There was a moment's silence. Lord Cheisford turned again to his notes.
Then he looked up at me.

"Your reasons?" he asked.

I told them the story carefully and circumstantially. When I had
finished Colonel Ray left his seat and whispered something in Lord
Chelsford's ear. The Duke interposed.

"I wish," he said, "to add a brief remark to the story which you have
just heard. I have known Malors since he was a boy, my father knew his
father, and, as you may know, our families have been frequently
connected in marriage. I do not wish to impugn the good faith of this
young man, but the Prince of M