heart beat quick; for if the Prince had so much desire to see the
Chevalier's letter, he must be well upon his way to consenting to
Wogan's plan.

"If your Highness will do me the honour to look at this cipher. It has
baffled the most expert."

His Highness condescended to be pleased with Wogan's suggestion. Wogan
crossed the room towards the door; but before he reached it, the
Countess of Berg suddenly took her fingers from her harp-strings with a
gesture of annoyance.

"Mr. Warner," she said, "will you do me the favour to screw this wire
tighter?" And once or twice she struck it with her fingers.

"May I claim that privilege?" said the Prince.

"Your Highness does me too much honour," said the Countess, but the
Prince was already at her side. At once she pointed out to him the
particular string. Wogan went from the room and up the great staircase.
He was lodged in a wing of the palace. From the head of the staircase he
proceeded down a long passage. Towards the end of this passage another
short passage branched off at a right angle on the left-hand side. At
the corner of the two passages stood a table with a lamp and some
candlesticks. This time Wogan took a candle, and lighting it at the lamp
turned into the short passage. It was dark but for the light of Wogan's
candle, and at the end of it facing him were two doors side by side.
Both doors were closed, and of these the one on the left gave onto his
room.