"How can we prevent? It is being printed abroad."
And then spoke the Prefect of the Police, holding technical place upon the Council as Minister of Secret Service.
"Over the present edition, gentlemen, you may make your minds quite easy. I have received intelligence that last night the establishment at which it was being printed was burned to the ground."
The Premier cast a keen and confidential glance at his colleague.
"How much does that involve?" he asked.
"Only the insurance company, I should suppose."
"I meant of the book?"
"Oh! everything except the manuscript. There will be no publication this year at any rate."
"I make you my compliments," said the Prime Minister, "on the particularity and speed with which your department has become informed. That at all events gives us time."
"And meanwhile?"