They were very small and must have been cold in winter, for the walls and floors were of stone: but they were pleasantly furnished, and each had a little window that looked upon the courtyard. A woman that was sewing in the passage lighted us into our rooms, and, when she had bid us ‘Good night,’ I entered Hanbury’s chamber and shut the door. George heard me out in silence, smoking and swinging his legs. When I had finished— “Good for you,” he said shortly. “Once you’re shown it, the thing is as clear as paint. The bailiff was expecting his master – complete with political prisoner, to wit, the heir apparent of Riechtenburg. When he saw the Grand Duchess, he guessed that the game had been bungled and smelt a chance of picking the pieces up. But the first thing to do was to see if the Duke was there: so he takes a lantern to have a look at his face. The rest’s easy… But I don’t think he’ll send for petrol at break of day.” “I must get it,” said I: “but our friend mustn’t know that I’ve gone.
