‘“I did. And to-day it was to have been laid before his Majesty the Emperor.”
‘“How long did you remain here after the departure of your courier?”
‘“An hour.”
‘“And you are sure nobody came in during that time?”
‘“Absolutely certain.”
‘“And are you as certain, Prince, that nobody was concealed in the room without your knowing it?”
‘The question seemed to startle him, but in an instant he controlled himself again, and, with a cold smile, remarked, as he glanced round the room:
‘“I am quite as certain. You can see for yourself that there is no place where a person could conceal himself.”
‘I had to admit that that was so.
‘“If I have not misunderstood you,” I went on, “when you had perused the document, you placed it in the despatch-box?”