“I am prepared to express my regret and to recognise their authority.”
“That is the same thing,” he said. It was not, of course, but I concluded he needed some kind of assurance from me; and when I had given it, he conferred in an undertone with Major Kireef. Then he rose. “I must speak with you in private, Mr. Bergwyn;” and he led me to another room.
As soon as we were alone he took my hand and wrung it.
“You have caused a great deal of trouble, but personally I thank you for what you have done. I believe you have saved the Princess’s life; and God knows there have been too many taken.”
“What has occurred?”
“The King and Queen are dead; the Queen’s brothers have been shot; several of the members of the Government have also fallen; and the Princess was to have shared the same fate, because of her succession claims. But it may be possible to save her now.”
“Possible only?”
“I used the term advisedly—possible. It must depend upon the course of events to-day. Why did you not prevail upon her to leave the country or at least seek some place of safety?”
“You forget. You told me nothing of the imminence of these horrors.”
“When I saw you I did not know myself. I helped to raise the storm, but when once it broke it was ungovernable.”