"Do you propose to let this man Lynton Hora go free, then?" he asked. "What would Mr. Flurscheim say to that?"
A totally unexpected answer came to the enquiry. The Permanent Secretary had remembered the unopened note which had been brought to him. He had torn it open, and the signature had attracted his attention.
"Suppose we ask Mr. Flurscheim," he said. "Listen to this," he read the note aloud.
"DEAR SIR MARKHAM: A friend of mine, from some pig-headed notion of duty, is insisting on sending his son to prison. I want you, before you take any action in the matter, to hear what I have to say on the question.
"Very sincerely yours,
"HILDEBRAND FLURSCHEIM.
"P. S.—By the time you receive this you will, of course, understand that I am writing about Captain Marven.
"PP. S.—I shall wait here until I see you."
The Great Man rubbed his hands together and chuckled.
"Let us have Mr. Flurscheim up," he said.