Ughtred started. His face and his tone alike gave evidence of his unbelief. He even smiled.
“You are mistaken, my dear Brand,” he said. “Reist is a patriot and a nobleman. He would never stoop to league himself with such scum.”
“I presume that my eyes are sufficient evidence,” Brand answered, quietly. “I myself saw Reist and Domiloff meet last night at a low café in Theos. I overheard part of their conversation.”
The King’s face was as the face of a man who has received a blow. For a moment or two he remained silent.
“They may have met by accident,” he said, at last, looking half-fearfully towards Brand. “Domiloff may have proposed things to Reist, but he would not listen, no, he surely would not listen.”
“You are mistaken,” Brand declared, grimly. “He met Domiloff by appointment, and he listened with interest to all that he had to say.”
“How do you know this, Brand?” the King asked.
“I have been watching the place for some time—and Domiloff. It ought to be burned. It is a hotbed of treason and Russian intrigue. I saw the meeting and heard part of the conversation. Unfortunately I was discovered.”
“You were discovered?” Ughtred repeated.
“And Domiloff put a bullet through my hat,” Brand continued. “I escaped, but it was a close thing. Since then I have had an opportunity of appreciating how widespread have been Domiloff’s snares. My life has been attempted twice, and I have been misled by forged letters as to your whereabouts. I have been to Althea and Morania in search of you.”