“It will be unnecessary,” answered Sir Perseus readily. “I have the papers—I am sure Mr. Caryl would see the desirability of your running no risk of delay.”
He went to a box in the corner, unlocked it and lifted out a flat leathern case.
Mr. Wedderburn turned in his chair and watched him as he brought it to the table and showed the contents.
“This, sir—” Sir Perseus laid a bulky sealed packet down, “is the letter to His Majesty from his supporters in England, assuring him of their aid should he land an English army—it is what he asked for to show Louis.”
“It contains the names of all the conspirators?” asked Mr. Wedderburn.
“We have all, from the highest to the humblest, signed it,” was the answer, given with a smile of satisfaction. “It should please his Majesty and satisfy Louis. This is Mr. Caryl’s letter and report to the King—this the Duke of Berwick’s—these three papers are all, Mr. Wedderburn.”
“Deadly enough, were they discovered,” commented the other, dryly.
“We are confident that His Majesty selected a messenger who would see they were not discovered,” said Sir Perseus, putting the papers back into their case.
Mr. Wedderburn gave a sudden laugh and rose. “Sir, my life upon their safe delivery to—the King.”
“Sir—it is a weighty trust,” answered Sir Perseus gravely. “The lives and honors of many men—the fate of a kingdom.”