The man was Fitz.
"A thousand apologies," he said. "So sorry to disturb you. But there's news from Illyria."
Such a very remarkable obtrusion enchained the attention of us all. And this was not rendered less by the self-possession of the speaker's manner.
"Ferdinand has been assassinated." Fitz's tone was slow and contained. "The Monarchy has been overthrown; Sonia is a close prisoner in the Castle at Blaenau, and her fate hangs in the balance."
"What is your authority?" said Coverdale.
"Reuter," said Fitz. "A telegram is printed in the evening papers. I happened to buy one at the book-stall as I left town."
He produced the Westminster Gazette from the pocket of his overcoat and handed it to the Chief Constable.
"You don't suppose," said Coverdale, frowning heavily, "that they are capable of personal violence towards the Princess?"
"At bottom they are only half civilised," said Fitz, "and when their passions are aroused they are capable of anything. You will see the telegram says the government is in the hands of a committee of the people. And no wise man ever trusts the people and never will."
This feudal sentiment was uttered in a tone of the oddest conviction.