I hadn’t thought of this.
“You can see for yourself that they bear the Embassy’s seals, M. Drougoff, and are in my possession,” replied Marvyn, with a readiness for which I blessed him. “I am acting, of course, officially.”
We drove back to the hotel, and on the way I told Marvyn pretty well how the case stood, withholding for the moment, however, the fact that I had deceived him in the morning.
The Prince had been removed from the room, and Helga was alone there under guard. She was not in the least disconcerted by the fresh development, and had had tea served in anticipation of my return.
“What is the charge against M. Denver, M. Drougoff?” asked Marvyn.
“At the present I am not informed. Prince Kalkov had ordered it; and there is now of course, the fact of his Highness’s—seizure.” He hesitated for the word.
“You will allow us to consult in private?”
“Certainly, M. Marvyn. I am indeed rather at a loss what to do except that M. Denver must remain under arrest.”
We sat down then to Helga’s tea-table.
“I must explain one thing,” I began at once. “I misled you this morning about those papers. Those are the real things—what I brought away with me were shams.”