He continued, "The matter is of importance. Of course I can have no objection to the presence of Sir Gadsby, but I do not recognise this gentleman,"—he indicated Kenly with a gesture—"and if he would retire——"
Kenly made no movement, and the Permanent Secretary raised his eyebrows in mute enquiry to the Great Man. Sir Gadsby coughed. Then he remarked drily, "This gentleman is Detective Inspector Kenly of Scotland Yard. It is my desire that he should hear why you consider yourself unfit to be trusted with your duties as a King's Messenger."
Captain Marven could not fail to understand the suggestion which lay behind the Great Man's words. Still more significant was the cold tone in which the words were spoken. He was himself suspect. His summons was not in the ordinary course of events. He was to have been called to account. Well, what did it matter? Yet, though his cheek flushed, and as suddenly paled, he gave no other sign of agitation. "He has a soldier's pluck, anyway," muttered Kenly to himself, as Marven replied calmly, "Certainly, if you wish it, Sir Gadsby."
Marven turned immediately to the Permanent Secretary. "I received barely two hours ago a letter from an old brother officer of mine, named Hartley Ruthven, who is now known by the name of Lynton Hora. I want you to read that letter first. Afterwards I should like to add any information which is in my possession to the disclosures it contains."
The Permanent Secretary took the letter from Marven's hand, and glanced rapidly over the first page.
"Good God!" he said. He looked up and insensibly his tone became more kindly. "Won't you sit down, Marven?"
Captain Marven seated himself. The Permanent Secretary read another page. Then he spoke again.
"Shall I read this letter to Sir Gadsby? I am sure that if I say it is desirable that Mr. Kenly shall withdraw he will not insist upon his remaining."
"I should prefer Mr. Kenly should hear the contents," answered Marven steadily.
The Permanent Secretary read the letter aloud. When he concluded there was a silence that could be felt.