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"What has changed me, Highness," replied Phadrig, ignoring the threat, "is the knowledge that I have gained to-night. Though you believe me or not, the debt which I owe you makes it my duty to warn you. The matter stands thus: Nitocris, the daughter of Franklin Marmion, was the Queen.
But before he had arrived at his decision, something else happened which was quite outside his programme. The Prince broke the chilly silence by saying to Nitocris in a tone loud enough for every one to hear: "I hope, Miss Marmion, that I have justified my intrusion by the skill which my friend Phadrig has displayed for the entertainment of your guests?"
You must wait here, dear, and do the introductions. You're responsible, you know." Brenda assented with a nod and a smile, as the brougham drew up and the smart tiger jumped down and opened the door. The Prince got out, and was followed by Phadrig the Adept. As she looked at the two men, Nitocris felt as though a wave of cold air had suddenly enveloped her whole being body and soul.
Phadrig, who seemed to be the least interested person on the lawn, looked about him, and said as quietly as before: "I should be very much obliged if the best tennis player in the company will do me the honour to have a game with me."
Phadrig gave a flick with his right forefinger, and it hopped back over the net and ran swiftly along the ground to Brenda's feet. She flushed as she picked it up and changed courts. Then she raised her racquet and sent a really vicious slasher into the opposite court. Phadrig, without moving, raised his hand at the same moment.
She gave the stone to her lover, and from his body it was taken by a priest of the Ancient Faith who once was Anemen-Ha, and is now Phadrig Amena, the degenerate worker of mean marvels which the ignorant of these days would call miracles did they not take them for conjuring tricks.
It was impossible that these people could suspect his great scheme of treachery and self-aggrandisement. That was known to only three persons in the world himself, Phadrig, and the Princess Hermia; and the Princess, the woman who had willingly sacrificed her brilliant young husband to her guilty love and her boundless ambition no, she could be no traitress. It must be something else: and yet what?
Phadrig put his hand up, and when the smoke had drifted away, he held it out to Von Hamner, and said: "I think that is your bullet, mein Herr." The bullet was lying in the palm of his hand, a little out of shape through passing the rifling, but still the same bullet. The German's face turned a reddish-grey, and Nicol Hendry, with all his courage, was not feeling particularly well.
Is it allowed to ask the name of the great millionaire for whom it is destined?" "Yes. It will in a few hours be the property of Prince Oscar Oscarovitch." As Phadrig spoke he hid the gem in his hand. His voice was so changed that the Jew looked up at him. His eyes were wide open now, and glowing with a fire that made them look almost dull red.
There was something in his tone which made it quite impossible to refuse, so he replied: "You have shown us a good many wonders already, Mr Phadrig, and unless you've hypnotised the whole of us, I haven't a notion how you have done it; but if I can find you out I will." "That is exactly what I wish, sir," said Phadrig, as he bowed to the ladies and went back to the centre of the circle.
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