ll be on her way to the
seacoast, as sure as fate. She will be kept hidden there until that
warship comes."

"The warship will not come," answered Father Murray. "His Majesty's
warships will be engaged very busily for some time to come. My
information--information which so far has not leaked out to the
public--is that the Big Kingdom is on the verge of war. There will be
no warship flying that flag on this side of the water for a long time."

"War!" said Saunders. "But how does that help us?"

Before Father Murray could reply, an automobile passed swiftly.

"That is the Minister," remarked Saunders.

The priest looked up. "We must hurry. Leave everything to me."

Walking hastily, the trio approached the Minister, who had stopped at
the curb to give some order to his chauffeur. The ladies of the party
had already entered the house, accompanied by the secretary.

It was Father Murray who spoke.

"Pardon us, Your Excellency, for intruding on you at this hour, but it
is necessary that we should speak to you at once. With your
permission, we will go inside."

The Minister looked disturbed.

"Surely you know the hopelessness of it? I must warn you that you can
secure nothing through violence. My guard would not hesitate to take
forcible measures."

"There is no need to worry about that, Your Excellency," replied the
priest. "No need at all. We shall not resort to violence. It will
not be necessary. But the matter is important, and we must speak to
you at once."

The words were spoken sharply. His Excellency hesitated for a moment
longer, then threw out his hand and motioned them toward the house.

"Very well, gentlemen. Come."

The unwelcome guests were shown into the drawing-room and the lights
switched on. His Excellency put his hat aside and turned to face his
callers.

"It is already late, gentlemen, and I will ask you to be as brief as
possible. What is it you wish?"

"We shall not detain you any longer than is absolutely necessary," said
Father Murray. "Yesterday I received a visit from your secretary, who
informed me that the probabilities were so strong that it was my niece
who had been killed in the railroad accident that you would be obliged
to decide against my claims for the present."

"That is exactly the case," replied His Excellency. "Permit me to say,
Reverend Sir, that I can do nothing else. The Grand Duke is dead, and
His Majesty has taken charge of the matter. Th