"
He sipped his coffee leisurely, and opened a few letters; there were
none of very pressing importance. He was just about to glance through
the morning's newspaper, when his man-servant entered bearing a note
marked 'Private and Immediate.' He recognized the handwriting of David
Jost.
"Anyone waiting for an answer?" he enquired.
"No, Excellency."
The man retired. The Marquis broke the large splotchy seal bearing the
coat-of-arms which Jost affected, but to which he had no more right
than the man in the moon, and read what seemed to him more inexplicable
than the most confusing conundrum ever invented.
"MY DEAR MARQUIS,--I received your confidential messenger last night,
and explained the entire situation. He left for Moscow this morning,
but will warn us of any further developments. Sorry matters look so
grave for you. Should like a few minutes private chat when you can
spare the time.--
"Yours truly, DAVID JOST."
Over and over again the Marquis read this brief note, staring at its
every word and utterly unable to understand its meaning.
"What in the world is the fellow driving at!" he exclaimed angrily--
"'My messenger'! 'Explained the entire situation'! The devil! 'Left for
Moscow'! Upon my soul, this is maddening!" And he rang the bell
sharply.
"Who brought this note?" he asked, as his servant entered.
Pages:
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283