"It explains itself, my lord."
"Indeed," said the statesman drily. "What do you think it contains?"
"The draft of a new treaty between Russia and Persia."
"Open it."
Rivers did so, and, instead of the draft, there on a purple velvet cushion was the glittering Order of the Lion and the Sun!
Rivers was stupefied.
"Was there nothing else?" he asked in bewilderment.
"No, sir; and perhaps you will now explain how you came into possession of this, and why you sent it to me. It is surely the property of the Persian Mission."
Lord Ancoats' demeanour was not reassuring, but Rivers plunged boldly into the matter.
"Last night, at Denton House, Count Moranoff visited the Persian Vizier," he commenced.