“Nothing of the kind,” was the retort. “I have only to inform the British minister how remiss you were in your obligations. I should go free, whereas you would be discharged. But what I demand to know is, what the devil is the meaning of this farce.”
“I am simply obeying orders,” answered the inspector, wiping his forehead. “It is not a farce, as Monsieur will find.” Then, as if to excuse this implied threat: “Will Monsieur please point the gun the other way?”
The Englishman unloaded the gun and tossed it on the bed.
“Thanks. In coming here I simply obeyed the orders of the minister of police.”
“And what in the world did you expect to find?”
“We are looking—that is, they are looking—O, Monsieur, it is impossible for me to disclose to you my government's purposes.”
“What and whom were you expecting?” demanded the Englishman. “You shall not leave this room till you have fully explained this remarkable intrusion.”
“We were expecting the Lord and Baronet Fitzgerald.”
“The lord!” laughing. “Does the lord visit Bleiberg often, then, that you prepare this sort of a reception? And the Baronet Fitzgerald?”
“They are the same and the one person.”