I made haste to swallow down my wrath.
"Sir," I said, "I did not mean to be discourteous. But I assure Your Royal Highness that the King said so to me expressly. It is his immortal soul that is at stake."
Then I understood what was the matter. The Duke flung out his hands as if in despair.
"But what can I do?" he cried. "I am watched every instant. They will not leave me alone with him. Dr. Ken eyed me very sharply. They suspect something—I know they do—from my brother's having refused their ministrations. How can I get a priest to him?"
Then again, by God's inspiration as I truly believe, a thought came to me.
"Sir," I said, "I myself spoke with the King a while ago: and I do not think that a soul saw who I was. I came through the little door at the back of the bed. Why should not—"
The Ambassador struck his hands together.
"Bon Dieu!" he said. "I believe Mr. Mallock hath hit it again."
The Duke turned and eyed me very sternly.
"Well, sir, what is your plan?"