"If you make the slightest movement, or speak without my permission, I shall fire."
I saw as I sat looking at them that the younger man had also produced a revolver, and was covering me.
Then the two moved nearer us into the two central seats of the compartment, for the convenience, as it proved, of talking to us.
Don Juan and I sat petrified with astonishment, whilst the elder man spoke again. I knew him from the first moment he had opened his lips, despite his disguise, to be the Duke of Rittersheim, or "Saumarez," as he had called himself.
"Don Juan d'Alta," he began, "I know you very well, and I don't suppose you have forgotten me."
"I know your voice, Your Serene Highness," responded the old Don, with a distinct accentuation of the title.
"Very well," replied the Duke. "Then that knowledge will enlighten you to the extent that you will be aware that I want something of you."
Don Juan made no reply.
"I want," proceeded the Duke, "the key of the steel safe which you removed from 190 Monmouth Street, Bath, and sent to the Bank of England. I want also an order from you to the directors of the Bank of England, authorising them to give me access to the safe. My friend here has writing materials."
My glance turned to Don Juan, who was contemplating the Duke with a stony stare of contempt.