"
"At the same time," asked the Prince, "if I were to refuse to
follow you?"
"I will not conceal from your Highness that a considerable
discretion has been granted me," replied the detective with a bow.
"Upon my word," cried Florizel, "your effrontery astounds me!
Yourself, as an agent, I must pardon; but your superiors shall
dearly smart for their misconduct. What, have you any idea, is the
cause of this impolitic and unconstitutional act? You will observe
that I have as yet neither refused nor consented, and much may
depend on your prompt and ingenuous answer. Let me remind you,
officer, that this is an affair of some gravity."
"Your Highness," said the detective humbly, "General Vandeleur and
his brother have had the incredible presumption to accuse you of
theft. The famous diamond, they declare, is in your hands. A word
from you in denial will most amply satisfy the Prefect; nay, I go
farther: if your Highness would so far honour a subaltern as to
declare his ignorance of the matter even to myself, I should ask
permission to retire upon the spot."
Florizel, up to the last moment, had regarded his adventure in the
light of a trifle, only serious upon international considerations.
At the name of Vandeleur the horrible truth broke upon him in a
moment; he was not only arrested, but he was guilty. This was not
only an annoying incident - it was a peril to his honour.
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