'Despatches sent to me from the Frontier, sire.'
'Which he failed to bring to you. Where then did he take them?'
The delay and the persistent unexpected questioning of the Duke irritated Sagan almost beyond endurance. He struck in.
'Sire, does it matter what he did with them, as we have proof that he disobeyed orders? That is the point—what need to ask further?' Then, as the Duke still shook his head, he burst out, 'Well, then, he carried them to the British Legation—to his own countrymen, mind you. He was false to his oath as a soldier! He must be shot!'
Gustave of Maäsau was a man who lied much and often, as those of poor moral calibre will. He lied now with zest.
'So? Although Captain Rallywood acted under my personal instructions, Simon?' he said quietly.
Sagan sprang to his feet.
'Yes,' resumed the Duke, warming to his rôle. 'Yes, he acted under my orders, for the despatches were connected with the agreement I have within the last hour signed with England, and about which the first proposals were laid before me at midnight by the British Envoy during my visit to your Castle!'
'What?' shouted Sagan, as his house of cards fell about him. 'You lie, Gustave! And Germany? Selpdorf, we hold your promises! It is impossible to think this to be true?'
'It is true,' said the Chancellor. 'I beg you will recollect that his Highness is present, my lord. This excitement——'