“Then,” Sogrange continued, “you have probably also heard of Don Pedro, Prince of Marsine, one time Pretender to the Throne of Spain?”
“Quite a striking figure in European politics,” Peter assented, quickly. “He is suspected of radical proclivities, and is still, it is rumored, an active plotter against the existing monarchy.”
“Very well,” Sogrange said. “Now listen carefully. Four months ago, Sirdeller was living at the Golden Villa, near Nice. He was visited more than once by Marsine, introduced by the Count von Hern. The result of those visits was a long series of cablegrams to certain great engineering firms in America. Almost immediately, the salvage of the Maine was started. It is a matter of common report that the entire cost of these works is being undertaken by Sirdeller.”
“Now,” Peter murmured, “you are really beginning to interest me.”
“This week,” Sogrange went on, “it is expected that the result of the salvage works will be made known. That is to say, it is highly possible that the question of whether the Maine was blown up from outside or inside, will be settled once and for all. This week, mind, Baron. Now see what happens. Sirdeller returns to America. The Count von Hern and Prince Marsine come to America. The Duchesse della Nermino comes to America. The Duchesse, Sirdeller and Marsine are upon this steamer. The Count von Hern travels by the Lusitania only because it was reported that Sirdeller at the last minute changed his mind and was traveling by that boat. Mix these things up in your brain—the conjurer’s hat, let us call it,” Sogrange concluded, laying his hand upon Peter’s arm, “Sirdeller, the Duchesse, Von Hern, Marsine, the raising of the Maine—mix them up and what sort of an omelette appears?”
Peter whistled softly.
“No wonder,” he said, “that you couldn’t make the pieces of the puzzle fit. Tell me more about the Duchesse?”
Sogrange considered for a moment.
“The principal thing about her which links her with the present situation,” he explained, “is that she was living in Cuba at the time of the Maine disaster, married to a rich Cuban.”
The affair was suddenly illuminated by the searchlight of romance. Peter, for the first time, saw not the light, but the possibility of it.