“But M. Petrovitch is also on the side of peace, so I am assured.”
I began to despair.
“You will believe me, or disbelieve me as your majesty pleases. But I am accustomed to work for those who honor me with their entire confidence. If the Princess Y—— is to be taken into the secret of my work on your majesty’s behalf, I must respectfully ask to be released.”
As I offered her majesty this alternative in a firm voice, I was inwardly trembling. On the reply hung, perhaps, the fate of two continents.
But the Dowager Empress did not hesitate.
“What you stipulate for shall be done, Monsieur V——. I am too well aware of the value of your services, and the claims you have on the confidence of your employers, to dispute your conditions.”
“The messenger who is starting to-night—does the Princess know who he is?”
“I believe so. It is no secret. The messenger is Colonel Menken.”
“In that case he will never reach Tokio.”