of colour in her face; but now she had
lost it, and was dead white of complexion under the electric light.

"Doctor Phillimore," she said in English, which was more perfect of
accent than her brother's, but speaking somewhat formally, "I
understand that you believe you have discovered some plot."

By this time I was on my feet. "Madam, no one else believes it," said
I.

"I do," she said sharply; and then, "I want you to come and see my
brother--Mr. Morland."

"I will do as you will," I answered, "but, at the same time, I must
point out that Mr. Morland has cognisance of my story. I stated what I
had to say in his presence some days since."

"Ah," said she, "you do not understand. It is impossible for one in my
brother's position to entertain these suspicions. It is not for him to
take precautions--or should not be," she added bitterly.

I bowed. "I will repeat what I have already stated," I said; and then,
as she turned to go, I took a sudden impulse. My heart was beating
faster at this unexpected appearance of an ally and I made up my mind
to confirm the alliance if it was what it seemed.

"Miss Morland," said I, "if I must continue to call you so."

"That is my name, sir," she said loftily.

"Then if that is your name there is nothing in my plot," I answered
bluntly. "This plot, imaginary or otherwise, but one in which you say
you believe, is dependent wholly on your name not being Morland, madam.
Assure me that it is, and I undertake that the plot shall
cease--disappear in a twinkling."

"You speak, sir, as if you had authority over it," she said, after a
pause.

"No. I reason only on what I know. This conspiracy has been evolved on
the supposition that you and Mr. Morland are not what you claim to be,
and on other suppositions. If these be untrue, and the mutineers can be
convinced of that, the conspiracy naturally falls to the ground."

Again she made a pause, but spoke quickly when she spoke:

"My brother is Prince Frederic of Hochburg."

I bowed. "And, madam, the ship contains treasure? Let us finish our
confidences."

"There are bonds and bullion to a large amount on board," she said, as
if reluctantly. "It was unwise of him, but he would have it so."

"I may take it that the Princess Alix would not have it so," I
suggested.

"You may assume what you will, sir," she said coldly.

"Madam," said I seriously, for handsome as she was and royal, too, I
was nettled by her distance, "you ask me