"Oh, this is a simple matter. A friend of mine, Lord Adalbert Beaumanoir, who was coming here from Paris to visit me, was arrested at Semlin this morning. There is, or can be, no charge against him. Some of your zealous agents have blundered, that is all. Now, I want you to go to Semlin in a special train I will provide and bring his Lordship here before——" Alec looked at his watch—"It is now nine—shall we say?—by eleven o'clock sharp."
Von Rothstein was startled, and he showed it. "But this is the first I have heard of it," he said.
"Exactly. That is why I came in person to tell you."
"I fear I cannot interfere, your Majesty."
"Is that so? Why, then, Herr Baron, are you Minister for Austria at Delgratz?"
"I mean that this matter is not within my province."
"Surely it must be. I cannot allow my friends to be collared by Austrian police for no reason whatsoever. This passport question concerns Kosnovia, not Austria. The action of the Semlin authorities is one of brigandage. It can be adjusted amicably by you, Herr von Rothstein. Do you refuse?"
"I fear I cannot do what you desire, your Majesty."
"Ah! That is a pity! In that event, I must go to Semlin myself and liberate Lord Adalbert."