His Excellency was silent, and his visitor continued.

“I must also suggest to Your Excellency that the fate of the young Italian officer is known to others beside myself.  It would make unfortunate state complications if the occurrence should be made public.  I wish Your Excellency good morning.”

He turned to go, but the Minister stood between him and the door.

“One moment,” he said.  “I regret that it is necessary to request your Reverence to remain.  You will pardon the necessity, I am sure.  I cannot permit His Majesty’s secrets to be made known to the public.  State complications often oblige us to take stern measures, and—­” he continued coldly—­“you are now on the territory of my royal master.”

But Father Murray did not seem at all afraid.

“Do not think of detaining me, Your Excellency,” he said quietly.  “I mentioned Baron Griffin.  There is another.  Both know where I am.  Nor need you worry as to our discretion.  We are well enough acquainted with state complications to know when silence is best.  We shall not speak unless it becomes necessary; but in that event we shall not hesitate.  Don’t make matters more difficult for yourself.  I shall insist on the release of my niece, and I warn you that neither you nor His Majesty may touch either of us and go unscathed.  Kindly stand aside.”

But His Excellency still barred the way.

“Your Reverence,” he said, after a pause, “I shall stand aside on one condition:  that you will again give me your word that you will keep silence.  To-morrow morning you shall have your answer; but in the meantime not one syllable about this must pass your lips, and Baron Griffin must not approach the British Embassy on this matter.  There may be no need of his doing so at all.  Please understand my position.  I must guard His Majesty’s interests, and do my best under difficult circumstances.  Whether the lady be the Duchess or your niece, no harm shall come to her.  Have I your word?”

“You have my word.  Unless Your Excellency makes it necessary to act, we shall keep silence.”

“Then,” said the Minister, stepping aside, “I will bid you good morning.”

Father Murray bowed himself out.  He met Mark and Saunders at the corner.  As they walked away, they saw nothing of the spy upon their footsteps; but they knew that the spy was there, for they had knowledge of the ways of diplomacy.  As a matter of fact, inside of twenty minutes the Minister knew what room each man was occupying at the New Willard.  An attache did not leave the hotel all night; and the next morning the same man found himself in the unusual surroundings of St. Patrick’s Church where Father Murray said Mass.

When the Minister returned to the library his face was white.  Wratslav was in his confidence, and did not have to wait long for information.  For the first time in his diplomatic career of thirty years His Excellency was nonplussed.