The Prince glanced down at his letter unconsciously.
"No," he said; "not yet."
And Ruxton understood that his letter had decided the time of departure for him.
"May I convey them, Prince?"
"Why?" The smiling eyes were keenly questioning.
Ruxton laughed.
"Because I would like to make a small arrangement with him, which will in no way interfere with any orders you may give him."
"I see." The Prince was silent for some moments, pondering deeply. Then, quite abruptly, he seemed to reach a decision. "Yes," he said at last, "I will send him his orders in writing, with permission to receive certain instructions from you. But my orders must be obeyed implicitly. Remember that. You must not change them in one single detail. Your word of honor, and I will thank you for conveying them."
"My word of honor," said Ruxton solemnly.