Here a door quickly opened and I was thrust into a blaze of light so brilliant that it nearly blinded me.
Blinking my eyes to accustom them to the glare, I presently began to note my surroundings, and found myself standing before a table at which was seated the Emperor of Brazil.
Involuntarily I bowed before his Majesty. He was a large man, of commanding appearance, with dark eyes that seemed to read one through and through. Behind him stood a group of four men in civilian attire, while the other end of the room was occupied by a squad of a dozen soldiers of the Uruguayan guard.
“A prisoner, your Majesty,” said the officer, saluting. “One evidently familiar with the house, for he obtained entrance to a room adjoining Dom Miguel’s library.”
The Emperor turned from the papers that littered the table and eyed me gravely.
“Your name!” said he, in a stern voice.
I hesitated; but remembering that officially I was occupying a dungeon in Rio I decided to continue the deception of my present disguise.
“Andrea Subig, your Majesty.”
Some one laughed softly beside me. I turned and saw Valcour at my elbow.
“It is the American secretary, your Majesty, one Robert Harcliffe by name.”