this."

"I will; for, as I have sized up the situation, it is best that I
should. The Duchess ran away. She was supposed to be at San Sebastian
with a trusted attendant. The attendant was evidently _not_ to be
trusted, for _she_ disappeared, too. They were traced to London, then
to Madeira, then to a North German Lloyd liner which stopped at the
island on its way to America. Then to Boston. Then to Sihasset."

"This attendant you spoke of--what was she like?"

Saunders gave the description: "Dark, fairly stout, white hair, bad
English, piercing black eyes, sixty years old, upper lip showing a
growth of hair, slight wart on the right side of the nose."

"Madam Neuville!"

"So she's here with her, is she? I suspected that, but I have never
seen the old lady."

"She doesn't go out much."

"Are you satisfied now, Mr. Griffin?"

"As to identity, yes. Now, I will ask the questions. I have a right,
haven't I, Saunders?"

Saunders nodded.

"Why did the Duchess run away?"