There
was a moment's silence, and furtive looks were cast in the direction of
Yetive, whose face was a study. Almost instantaneously the entire body
of listeners understood that he referred to Beverly Calhoun. Baldos felt
that he had been summoned before the board at the instigation of his
fair protectress.
"And your impressions have gone no further?"
"They have not, sir. It was most confidential."
"Could you accurately reproduce the plans of the fortress?"
"I think so. It would be very simple."
"Have you studied engineering?"
"Yes."
"And you could scientifically enumerate the defects in the construction
of the fort?"
"It would not be very difficult, sir."
"It has come to our ears that you consider the fortress weak in several
particulars. Have you so stated at any time?"
"I told the princess that the fortress is deplorably weak. In fact, I
think I mentioned that it could be taken with ease." He was not looking
at Count Marlanx, but he knew that the old man's eyes were flaming.
Then he proceeded to tell the board how he could overcome the fortress,
elaborating on his remarks to Beverly. The ministers listened in wonder
to the words of this calm, indifferent young man.
"Will you oblige us by making a rough draft of the fort's interior?"
asked Lorry, after a solemn pause. Baldos took the paper and in
remarkably quick time drew the exact lay of the fortress.
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