r," he said courteously. "I cannot understand
why my dispatches were not delivered to me at the banquet. I can only
express my regret." Father Murray bowed, and the Minister went on:

"The lady is probably asleep now, but I think I may safely promise that
in a few hours she will be with you. It is more than probable that I
shall relinquish all claims upon her."

Father Murray smiled and picked up his hat which was lying on a table.

"We may expect the lady before noon?"

"Yes."

"I thank Your Excellency. Permit us to bid you good morning."

With a courteous bow, Father Murray took his leave, followed by Mark
and Saunders. The last they saw of His Excellency was the top of his
head as he bowed them out.

Father Murray chuckled all the way back to the hotel--and kept his
counsel. When they arrived at his bedroom door, Mark stopped him.

"Great Heavens, Father! You're not going to leave us in the dark like
this?"

"'In the dark' is _very_ good United States, Mark."

"But what does it mean? What card did you play?"

Father Murray's hand was on the doorknob, his eyes dancing with
merriment.

"They say, Mark, that a royal flush beats everything. Well, I played
that."

Mark tried to catch him but, with a low chuckle, he slipped into the
room and closed the door.

CHAPTER XX

THE "DUCHESS" ABDICATES

A few hours later--about ten o'clock--an automobile stopped in front of
the New Willard Hotel, and the Minister and his secretary alighted.
The visitors were shown at once into Father Murray's room where Mark,
Saunders and the priest waited. His Excellency took the chair offered
him and, with some hesitation in his choice, of words, opened the
conversation.

"Gentlemen," he said, "I first wish to congratulate you on your
persistence. That persistence led me to think that there was some
justice in your case. You can scarcely blame me, however, for not
granting your wish immediately, especially since, as my secretary
informed you, the effects of the dead lady seemed to indicate that it
was Miss Atheson who had been killed. I find that I was mistaken. It
was the Grand Duchess. There is absolutely no question about that now.
As soon as you are ready to receive Miss Atheson, she shall leave the
Ministry where, as you understand, she has been an honored guest."

The impetuous Saunders broke out: "Your Excellency means an honored
prisoner."

But Father Murray stepped into the breach.

"Not