Page:Bailey - Call Mr Fortune (Dutton, 1921).djvu/29

18 "I have to tell you, sir, that your brother lies in grave danger," said Sir Lawson.

Reggie looked at him sideways.

"Ah, the concussion! It is serious, then? I am deeply distressed."

"The concussion is most serious. There's another matter. In your brother's chest above the heart, at which it must have been aimed, we have found—this."

"Mon Dieu! It is a hatpin-a woman's hatpin. But it is incredible! It is murder."

"Attempted murder."

"But what do you suggest, sir? Do you accuse some one?"

"Not my function. That pin was driven at your brother's heart by some one. Can you tell me any more, sir?"

The Archduke buried his face in his hands. "I will not believe it," he muttered—"I will not believe it." After a little he controlled himself. "Gentlemen, you have a right to my confidence. I will tell you everything. I trust you to do all that is possible for my poor brother and for the honour of our family, which to him, as to me, is dearer than life. You know that he is the heir to the throne of Bohemia. My uncle, the Emperor, has long been vexed with his living in England. I came here to persuade my brother to go back to his country. My poor