The great Minister showed perceptible hesitation.
"I do not think so," he said, at last.
"The other most obvious explanation is that the child has been kidnapped for the purpose of levying ransom. You have not had any demand of the sort?"
"No, sir."
"One more question, your Grace. I understand that you wrote to your son upon the day when this incident occurred."
"No; I wrote upon the day before."
"BESIDE HIM STOOD A VERY YOUNG MAN."
"Exactly. But he received it on that day?"