For an instant longer the prince
gazed straight into his inscrutable face, then turned accusing eyes on
the masked figures about him.
"Is there a traitor?" he demanded suddenly. His gaze settled on Miss
Thorne and lingered there.
"I can relieve your mind on that point--there is not," Mr. Grimm assured
him. "Just a final word, your Highness, if you will permit me. I have
heard everything that has been said here for the last fifteen minutes.
The details of your percussion cap are interesting. I shall lay them
before my government and my government may take it upon itself to lay
them before the British government. You yourself said a few minutes ago
that this compact was not possible before this cap was invented and
perfected. It isn't possible the minute my government is warned against
its use. That will be my first duty."
"You are giving some very excellent reasons, Mr. Grimm," was the
deliberate reply, "why you should not be permitted to leave this room
alive."
"Further," Mr. Grimm resumed in the same tone, "I have been ordered to
prevent the signing of that compact, at least in this country.
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