"True," he assented, with another smile. "So you may as well lock it, Steinitz," and this was done promptly.
I laughed. I had, of course, nothing to fear.
"I shouldn't run away," I said. "You interest me too much, though what on earth you are doing here I can't for the life of me guess."
"We come from your uncle, the Prince von Gramberg, and I am specially charged to tell you that matters of the deepest moment, involving issues of life and death, make it absolutely imperative that you should go with us to the castle at once."
He spoke in so earnest a tone that his words produced an immediate effect upon me. I had no right to play fast and loose with the affairs of a powerful family—and the Prince's reputation was well enough known to me. Obviously I must at once explain the mistake as to my identity. I was sorry I had not done so at once.
"You are speaking in error, and I must tell you before you say another word. I am not the nephew of the Prince von Gramberg."
"I am aware you have denied yourself. You are Herr von Fromberg? I addressed you so a minute since."
"No. My name is not von Fromberg, but Fisher. I am English."
"Oh, yes, I know that. They told me that you preferred to be called that. But I am not here to pay heed to small preferences of the kind. These are no trifling concerns."
"They are no concerns of mine at all," I answered shortly. "And now that I have explained this, have the goodness to leave my rooms."