"I fancy he has got so many scoundrels on his pay roll that one, more
or less, won't matter," I answered. "But, I've no objection to a quiet
inquiry as to this assault--it may come very handy, some time--so, do
you look up the Secret Service Officer, in charge here to-night, and
give him such facts as you deem proper, and let a report be made to me
in the morning."
"First, let me escort you to the house," he insisted.
I put my hand on his arm. "Lotzen may have his hired bravoes," I said,
"but I'm blessed with two good friends in you and Bernheim."
The warm-hearted Irishman took my hand and pressed it.
"We both are Your Highness's servants until death," he said.
"I'm in no further danger to-night, I fancy," said I. "And here come
Lady Helen and the American Ambassador. I'll remain with them. When
you have done your errand rejoin me."
XXII
BLACK KNAVE AND WHITE
There were three women and a man in the approaching party, and it
chanced I knew them all. Courtney had a red rose fastened
conspicuously on his breast, and Lady Helen wore a great bunch of them
in her hair--another was gowned like her and, so, must be the Marquise
de Vierle herself--the fourth was Mademoiselle d'Essolde.
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