It lost him his crown, for my
father never forgave the insult. When the duke died, his
daughter took up the work with surprising vigor. It was all
useless; father was a rock, and would listen neither to bribes
nor threats. Now they are after me. They have hunted me in India,
London, and Vienna. I am an obscure soldier, with all my titles
and riches; they threaten me with death. But I am here, and my
father's wishes shall be carried out. That is all. I am glad
that we have come together; you have more invention than I have."
"But why did you come yourself? You could have sent an agent.
That would have been simple."
"An agent might be bought. It was necessary for me to come.
However, I might have waited till the twentieth. I should have
come openly and informed the British minister of my mission. As
to the pheasants, they could have waited. Perhaps my fears are
without foundation, unless you have been the unconscious cause
of my true name being known. Every one has heard the story. It
is known as 'Fitzgerald's folly,' and has gone the rounds of the
diplomatic circles for ten years. I shall ask for an audience to-
morrow morning.
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