“War!” said Saunders.  “But how does that help us?”

Before Father Murray could reply, an automobile passed swiftly.

“That is the Minister,” remarked Saunders.

The priest looked up.  “We must hurry.  Leave everything to me.”

Walking hastily, the trio approached the Minister, who had stopped at the curb to give some order to his chauffeur.  The ladies of the party had already entered the house, accompanied by the secretary.

It was Father Murray who spoke.

“Pardon us, Your Excellency, for intruding on you at this hour, but it is necessary that we should speak to you at once.  With your permission, we will go inside.”

The Minister looked disturbed.

“Surely you know the hopelessness of it?  I must warn you that you can secure nothing through violence.  My guard would not hesitate to take forcible measures.”

“There is no need to worry about that, Your Excellency,” replied the priest.  “No need at all.  We shall not resort to violence.  It will not be necessary.  But the matter is important, and we must speak to you at once.”

The words were spoken sharply.  His Excellency hesitated for a moment longer, then threw out his hand and motioned them toward the house.

“Very well, gentlemen.  Come.”

The unwelcome guests were shown into the drawing-room and the lights switched on.  His Excellency put his hat aside and turned to face his callers.

“It is already late, gentlemen, and I will ask you to be as brief as possible.  What is it you wish?”

“We shall not detain you any longer than is absolutely necessary,” said Father Murray.  “Yesterday I received a visit from your secretary, who informed me that the probabilities were so strong that it was my niece who had been killed in the railroad accident that you would be obliged to decide against my claims for the present.”

“That is exactly the case,” replied His Excellency.  “Permit me to say, Reverend Sir, that I can do nothing else.  The Grand Duke is dead, and His Majesty has taken charge of the matter.  The Grand Duchess is a ruler herself, at the present time.  It is true she is only a foolish girl, who ran away to marry a nonentity—­but affairs of state are greater than affairs of the heart.  At all risks she must return to Ecknor.  I must be certain of her identity before I can make another move.  I appreciate the delicacy of the situation.  I know that I have practically kidnaped the girl.  But I am certain your State Department will want no trouble about it, nor will mine.  If you are right, and the girl is your niece, you have no cause to fear for her; she will be returned to this country at once.  If, on the contrary, she is the Grand Duchess, there is no reason why you should seek to have her taken away from us.”

“Her own wishes—­” began Saunders.