Mr. Secretary," quietly suggested Father Murray, "you will
admit that I ought to know my own niece?"

"There is a great resemblance, Reverend Sir, between the two ladies. I
have seen the dead girl, and have examined her belongings. Her apparel
was made, it is true, in Paris; but your niece has recently been there.
Her bag bears the initials, 'R.A.' The mesh bag is plainly marked in
gold cut initials with the same letters. The dressing case is also
marked 'R.A.' Even the handkerchiefs are thus marked."

"As she was a guest of my niece, and of course left Killimaga very
hurriedly after the abduction," said Father Murray, "it is quite
probable that the Grand Duchess took the first clothes and other
effects that came to hand. She may even have purposely used things
belonging to Miss Atheson in order not to have anything in her
possession that might betray her identity."

"True, that is possible," the secretary admitted; "but it is not
probable enough to satisfy His Excellency. Without a doubt, he ought
to satisfy himself. In the meantime, while the doubt remains, it is
clear that your answer cannot be given."

"Suppose we place this matter, then," said the priest, "where the
answer will come in response to a demand? There is still the British
Embassy and the Department of State."

"It will be plain to you, Reverend Sir," said the secretary, "that such
a course would not be of assistance. Frankly, we do not want
publicity; but, certainly, neither does your Department of State. In
fact, I think that this affair might offer considerable embarrassment
to the President himself at this time. And you? Would you wish the
reporters to hear of it and have it published with all possible
embellishments and sent broadcast? A few days will not be long in
passing. I can vouch for the fact that the lady is quite comfortable.
Why not see it from His Excellency's point of view?"

"Just what is that point of view?"

"I will be frank. You gentlemen know the situation. His Excellency's
entire career is at stake. If this lady is the Grand Duchess and she
does not go back to her throne--"

"Her throne?" Mark broke out in astonishment.

"Her father is dead. She is the reigning Grand Duchess, though she
does not know it yet. You see the situation? His Excellency must be
sure."

"But how does he mean to arrive at certainty?" asked Father Murray.

"That will be our task."

"And in the meantime?"

"She is safe."