"By no means," he answered. "If we are to do anything at all we will do
the thing in which I excel. It feeds my vanity, which is good for me,
for by disposition I am over-modest."
But they were not destined to fence that night, for on their way across
the hall the Duke's own servant intercepted them.
"Monsieur le Duc," he announced, "desires to speak with Monsieur in the
library."
Henri let go his friend's arm.
"I return to the terrace, _mon ami_," he said. "You can fetch me when
my respected uncle has finished with you."
Monsieur le Duc and Monsieur Grisson were still together. Immediately
the door was closed the former turned to Guy.
"Your luggage has been thoroughly searched," he announced, "by a trusty
agent. The letter of credit is still there, but the paper of which you
spoke is missing."
Guy looked a little incredulous.
"I know it was there the evening I left the hotel," he answered. "It was
fastened to my letter of credit by an elastic band. The man you sent
must have missed it."
The Duke shook his head.
"That," he said, "is impossible. The paper has been abstracted."
"But who could have known about it?" Guy protested.
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