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"Not only that, Grooton, but the fact that I called here and left a communication for Lord Chelsford is also to be forgotten." "I quite understand, your Grace," Grooton assured him.
In an hour's time he was down again. There were black rims under his eyes, and I could see at once that he had had no rest. Grooton had brought his bag from the house, and a note from Lady Angela. He read it with unchanging face, and placed it carefully in his breast coat-pocket. "I am off to the village to send some telegrams," he said, "and afterwards I shall go on for a walk."
It was covered with papers, and a map of the southern counties leaned up against the wall. The Prince also was glancing curiously in the same direction. "I have finished my work for the day," I said, rising. "If you will permit me, I will put it away." Grooton brought in tea. The Prince was politely curious as to the subject matter of those closely written sheets of paper.
"I myself, I scarcely know," he answered, as he sipped the brandy which Grooton had produced. "I am subject to fits of giddiness, and one came over me as I stood there looking down. I felt the ground sway, and remember no more. I am very sorry to give you tall this trouble, but indeed I fear that I cannot walk." "We will send you down a cart," I declared.
Ducaine, with regard to the execution of your work. It is carried out altogether, I believe, at the 'Brand'?" "Entirely, sir." "Your only servant is the man Grooton, for whom the Duke and I myself are prepared to vouch. You are also watched by detectives residing in the village, as I dare say you know. I also understand that you have no private correspondence, and receive practically no visitors.
But as for this matter between the Prince and myself, it can make little difference who knows the truth. He shammed a fall over the cliff and a sprained ankle. Lady Angela and I started for the house to send a cart for him, but, before we were halfway across the Park, Grooton fetched me back.
As I neared the cottage I slackened my speed and proceeded more stealthily. I drew close to the window and peered in. Grooton had been right indeed to fetch me. The Prince was standing before my desk, with a bundle of papers in his hand. I threw open the door and entered the room. Swift though my movement had been, a second's difficulty with the catch had given the Prince his opportunity.
I folded up the sheets and maps, and placing them in an oilskin case, tied them round my body under my waistcoat. Then I withdrew all the cartridges save one from the revolver which had lain all night within easy reach of my right hand, and slipped it into my pocket. "Coffee ready, Grooton?" "In one moment, sir."
I escaped by one of the side entrances, and hurried back to my cottage. The Prince accepted my most comfortable easy chair with an air of graceful condescension. Lady Angela had already seated herself. It was late in the afternoon, and Grooton was busy in the room behind, preparing my tea.
I was no longer at the bottom of the pit. The wonderful gates stood open. I Called softly to Grooton from my room upstairs. "Grooton!" "Yes, sir." "You are alone?" "Yes, sir." "Is Mr. Hill still up at the Court?" "He will be there until midnight, sir." A gust of wind came suddenly roaring through the wood, drowning even the muffled thunder of the sea below. The rain beat upon the window panes.
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