The adjutant interrupted his train of thought.
"I'm afraid it's not very far off your usual closing time," he remarked.
"We generally close at seven, sir."
The captain glanced at his watch again.
"It is now half-past six. If I start at once I can get to the palace and back by seven. Would you like me to drive there and explain that his Highness the Prince wishes her Excellency to make an immediate decision? Then, if by any chance I find she has not arrived, I will come back with Major Romanoff and the jewels."
Mr. Gorshine felt almost overwhelmed at such condescension.
"I could not think of troubling you, sir," he protested. "I will send one of my assistants."
"I'm afraid that won't do," returned the other, with a laugh. "You see, only an officer of the Guards would be admitted to the palace at this hour, and as I feel that I ought to relieve your very natural anxiety I will go myself. By the way, on no account disturb his Excellency during my absence. It would make him very angry, and he might cancel his order."
"Certainly not, sir."
"Very well, then, I'll start at once. Be good enough to call a cab with a fast horse."