"That is my name, sir," she said loftily.
"Then if that is your name there is nothing in my plot," I answered bluntly. "This plot, imaginary or otherwise, but one in which you say you believe, is dependent wholly on your name not being Morland, madam. Assure me that it is, and I undertake that the plot shall cease—disappear in a twinkling."
"You speak, sir, as if you had authority over it," she said, after a pause.
"No. I reason only on what I know. This conspiracy has been evolved on the supposition that you and Mr. Morland are not what you claim to be, and on other suppositions. If these be untrue, and the mutineers can be convinced of that, the conspiracy naturally falls to the ground."
Again she made a pause, but spoke quickly when she spoke:
"My brother is Prince Frederic of Hochburg."
I bowed. "And, madam, the ship contains treasure? Let us finish our confidences."
"There are bonds and bullion to a large amount on board," she said, as if reluctantly. "It was unwise of him, but he would have it so."
"I may take it that the Princess Alix would not have it so," I suggested.
"You may assume what you will, sir," she said coldly.