"Why, I mean this, your Grace," said Law, calmly, "that since you have taken the reins, it is you who must drive the chariot. I shall suggest no plans, shall offer no remedy. But, if you still lack ability to see how and why this thing has attained this situation, I will take so much trouble as to make it plain."
"Go on, then, sir," said the regent. "Is not all well? Is there any danger?"
"As to danger," said Law, "we can not call it a time of danger after the worst has happened."
"What do you mean?"
"Why, that the worst has happened. But, as I was about to say, I shall tell you how it happened."
The gaze of the regent fell. His hand trembled as he fumbled at his sword hilt.
"Your Grace," said Law, calmly, "will do me the kindness to remember that when I first asked of you the charter of the Banque Générale, to be taken privately in the name of myself and my brother, I told you that any banker merited the punishment of death if he issued notes or bills of exchange without having their effective value safe in his own strong boxes."
"Well, what of that?" queried the regent, weakly.
"Nothing, your Grace, except that your Grace deserves the punishment of death."
"How, sir! Good God!"