'They are used to all sorts of accidents in their country,' Sir Rupert explained. 'They don't mind such things there.'
'Excuse me, Sir Rupert,' the Duchess said, 'it's my country—and gentlemen do look after ladies there, when there's any danger round.'
'Beg your pardon, Sir Rupert,' one of the footmen said, coming respectfully but rather flushed towards the group, 'but this gentleman wished to go out into the grounds, and his Excellency was very particular in his orders that nobody was to go out until he came back.'
Mr. Copping of Omaha, fully dressed, tall hat in hand, presented himself and joined the group.
'Pray excuse me, Sir Rupert—and you ladies,' Mr. Copping said; 'I just thought I should like to have a look round to see what was happening; but your hired men said it was against orders, and, as I suppose you give the orders here, I thought I should just like to come and talk to you.'
'I beg your pardon, Mr. Copping; I do in a general way give the orders here, but Mr. Ericson just now is in command; he understands this sort of thing much better than I do, and we have put it all into his hands for the moment. The police will soon be here, but then our village police——'
'Don't amount to much, I dare say.'
'You see there has been a terrible attempt made——'
'Oh, you allow it really was an attempt, then, and not an accident—gas explosion or anything of the kind?'
'There is no gas in Seagate Hall,' Sir Rupert replied.