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 of a trusted messenger who could be relied on to say nothing about his errand afterwards.”

‘‘Not even to General Sadgrove?’’ flashed back the answering question so swiftly that for an instant Forsyth was taken aback.

“I am not one to betray my employer’s secrets—even to my uncle, General Sadgrove,” he said, recovering himself quickly.

“Very good!” was the croaking comment. “I deemed it necessary to sound you because we are aware of the foolish meddling—I might also say muddling—of that mischievous old man. We know also that you have aided and abetted him in an attempt to swim against a tide that is far too strong for both of you.”

“I quite admit that,” responded Forsyth, boldly. “My uncle has been doing his best to protect the Duke’s life, and as in duty bound I have used my efforts to assist him—up to a certain point.”

“What do you mean—up to a certain point?”

“I mean that as the Duke seems now to have taken matters actively into his own hands by opening up communication with you, I am naturally rather at the disposition of my employer than of anyone else.”