“I hold you for a man of decision, monsieur, but in this case I will give you an opportunity of reconsidering this one. I will see you again in an hour.”
“You will not find me here. I shall go to an hotel.”
“For that hour at least it will not be convenient to us for you to take such a step.”
“Does your Highness make me a prisoner?” I demanded indignantly.
“I will see you again in an hour, monsieur,” he replied, and with that left the room, without heeding my angry retort.
As soon as he had gone the servant entered and asked my permission to attend to the rooms. I gave it to him, and throwing such things as lay to hand into a grip I went to the door.
“I shall not be back,” I said to him, and he turned and looked at me curiously.
“Very well, monsieur,” he answered. “But I believe His Highness wishes to see you here.”
I flung the door open, for my temper was up, and then found I was indeed a prisoner. Three men were posted there on guard.
Affecting to believe their presence had nothing to do with me, I made as if to brush by them.