‘“No, Prince,” I replied; “it is by no means certain that such is the case. On the contrary, I incline very strongly indeed to the belief that the traitor will be found here under this roof; that he has not stirred away, and is not likely to stir away.”
‘“You are wrong,” he said sharply.
‘“We shall see,” I answered. “I admit that it is highly probable the document is being conveyed to the Turkish Government. If that is so, we cannot hope to overtake it, and another move will have to be made on the diplomatic board in order to checkmate those who have circumvented you. Your splendid skill in the game will enable you to determine the move. You may depend upon it that those who have entered into this conspiracy to convey valuable information to our country’s enemy have well calculated the chances of success, and have taken means to ensure the information reaching its destination. But the key of the puzzle must be searched for here. If we find that key quickly, we may be able to prevent the information reaching the Turkish Government; but it is useless trying to do so without the key.”
‘“Then, you suspect someone in the department?” the Prince asked.
‘“I don’t suspect anyone at present,” I answered.
‘“What I mean to say is, you think the thief is one of the employés of the Foreign Office?”
‘“I think the thief is a member of your own household, Prince.”
‘He looked at me in astonishment; then something like a smile of incredulity flitted across his stern face as he exclaimed, “Oh, nonsense!”
‘“Why do you think it nonsense?” I asked.
‘“It seems to me simply impossible that it could be so. No member of my household could have gained access to the bureau.”