The sketch
went the rounds and apprehensive looks were exchanged by the ministers.
"It is accurate, by Jove," exclaimed Lorry. "I doubt if a dweller in the
fort could do better. You must have been very observing."
"And very much interested," snarled Marlanx.
"Only so far as I imagined my observations might be of benefit to
someone else," said Baldos coolly. Again the silence was like death.
"Do you know what you are saying, Baldos?" asked Lorry, after a moment.
"Certainly, Mr. Lorry. It is the duty of any servant of her highness to
give her all that he has in him. If my observations can be of help to
her, I feel in duty bound to make the best of them for her sake, not for
my own."
"Perhaps you can suggest modifications in the fort," snarled
Marlanx. "Why don't you do it, sir, and let us have the benefit of your
superior intelligence? No, gentlemen, all this prating of loyalty need
not deceive us," he cried, springing to his feet. "The fellow is nothing
more nor less than an infernal spy--and the Tower is the place for him!
He can do no harm there."
"If it were my intention to do harm, gentlemen, do you imagine that I
should withhold my information for days?" asked Baldos. "If I am a spy,
you may rest assured that Count Marlanx's kindnesses should not have
been so long disregarded. A spy does not believe in delays."
"My--my kindnesses?" cried Marlanx.
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