The servant took my message, but instead of returning instantly, as had been my previous experience, to lead me at once to the Prince's room, I was left to fume in my impatience for several minutes.
I rang the bell angrily and when the servant came ordered him to shew me to the Prince instantly. But he would not, saying he dared not without orders from his master, and that he had given my message and could do no more.
I augured ill from this reception, but was in no mood to brook delay. I had nothing to lose now by boldness, and as soon as the fellow had turned his back I went to the door which I knew to be that of the Prince's room, and pushing aside the man who stood on guard outside, knocked, opened it, and marched in unceremoniously.
The Prince was in close conference with a couple of men and when he saw me he jumped up and asked me how I dared to intrude in that way.
"I have something urgent and private to say to you," said I, coolly. "If these gentlemen will give us five minutes it will be enough."
A moment's reflection sufficed to change his anger to equanimity, forced or genuine, I didn't care which, and he dismissed the men.
"There can be only one reason why you come here," he said, as soon as we were alone, speaking in a very sharp tone.
"On the contrary there may be two," I replied, copying his sharpness.
"The only condition on which I can receive you, Lieutenant, is the one I told you some hours since. Have you come to comply with it?"
"I have come to ask you why you have arrested my sister and where she is."