by the
commissioners of police.

"An account of your doings since you arrived in Paris will be given,
which I fear may not flatter you, but you must remember that it is
necessary to put our German friends completely off the scent, and in a
month's time or so you will reappear, and everything will be
contradicted."

"But my sister?" Guy exclaimed.

"Concerning your sister," the Duke continued, "we have further
explanations, perhaps I should say apologies, to offer you at some
future time. For the present--this only. She is now in Paris. She is to
some extent in our confidence, and you shall see her within the next few
days."

"And what are you going to do with me really?" Guy asked.

"You will remain here. Half the servants of the household have been
dismissed, and every one who is not absolutely trustworthy has been got
rid of. We are in close consultation with your English Cabinet, and the
moment the time arrives for us to disclose our knowledge of these
secrets you will be free to go where you please."

"Absolutely free?" Guy asked anxiously.

"Certainly!" the Duke answered. "The other little affair is cancelled by
your present services. In fact, as regards that, you need not give
yourself another moment's anxiety."

A small telephone which stood upon the table rang sharply. The Duke
exchanged a few sentences and replaced the receiver. He turned to Guy.

"It is an affair of the tides," he said. "Your body was washed up this
afternoon, six hours before time. It will be in the evening papers. Ah!"

The telephone rang again. This time it was Monsieur Grisson who was
required. He listened for a moment or two with inscrutable countenance.
Then he glanced at the clock.

"The Russian Ambassador," he said, replacing the receiver, "desires an
immediate interview with me on a matter of the utmost importance--and
the Russian Fleet has left the Baltic!"

CHAPTER IV

THE INSOLENCE OF MADAME LA MARQUISE

Duncombe was passed from the concierge to a footman, and from a footman
to a quietly dressed groom of the chambers, who brought him at last to
Madame la Marquise. She gave him the tips of her fingers and a somewhat
inquiring gaze.

"Sir George Duncombe, is it not?" she remarked. "I am not receiving this
afternoon, but your message was so urgent. Forgive me, but it was not by
any chance my husband whom you wished to see?"

"Your husband would have done as well, Madame," Duncombe answered
bluntly, "but I