A man in plain clothes entered. Trafford recognised him as one of the waiters of the Hôtel Concordia.
"Your news, Gottfried, quick," said Bernhardt. "You are interrupting the Council."
The man bowed low to the Queen.
"I am head of the Intelligence Department, your Majesty," he began, "and I have just received news of such import that I felt it necessary to interrupt your Majesty's Council in order to impart it."
"Proceed," said Gloria with a slight inclination of her head.
"Your Majesty, there is much trouble at Weissheim. The burgherschaft has declared against your sovereignty. The troops refuse to take the oath of allegiance, and the young Prince is cheered wherever seen."
"We know all this," said Bernhardt in some irritation.
"Snow forts are being erected at every strategic point," the man went on, "and heavy pieces of ordnance are being put in position."
"Naturally," said Bernhardt. "We did not imagine they would conduct civil war with popguns."
"Is that all?" demanded Von Hügelweiler.