“You wish to make a statement?”
“Not yet. I am an American citizen, my name is Harper C. Denver, and this lady is my wife. I wish to go at once to the American Embassy—on vitally urgent business.”
“I fear I cannot permit that.”
“I have also the honour to enjoy the friendship of His Majesty the Emperor, as the Prince’s man there, Pierre, can tell you. I was His Majesty’s guest at the Palace recently.”
He was impressed by this; but after a moment’s thought shook his head and repeated he could not grant my request.
“My purpose in going there touches all this very closely, and every moment of delay is important. May I suggest that you put a question to the man Pierre, to confirm what I told you?”
He drew Pierre aside, and they spoke together a moment.
“We must get the real papers back by hook or crook,” I whispered to Helga.
The official returned, looking very grave.
“He tells me you were a Palace guest, monsieur, but adds that for some days you and the Prince have been on extremely hostile terms.”