Chapter 29 Chapter Twenty Nine

"I think, Mr. Cade, you'll have to explain to us," said Herman Ershastein late that night. "There is not much to explain," Anthony said modestly. "When I arrived in Denver, Fish thought I was King Victor, so he followed me. We found a very mysterious person there, and he was imprisoned there. We Once you hear what he's been through, you'll know what's going on. Do you understand, it's the same way again. The real man is kidnapped, and the fake man—King Victor himself this time— Replace him. But the Inspector-General of Combat here always seems to think that there is something wrong with his French counterpart. So he wired to Paris to ask for his fingerprints and other identification papers."

"Ah!" cried the baron. "Fingerprints! And that Bradywater anthropometric chart that rascal was talking about, isn't it?" "He's got a smart idea," Anthony said. "I was in awe, so I had to encourage him. Not only that, I confuse that fake Lemon by doing it. You know what? As soon as I hinted at 'that row of things' and that the jewels would really be in the Somewhere, he hastened to convey the news to his accomplices, while leaving us all in that room. The letter was indeed addressed to Miss Prynne. He told Drew to deliver it at once. Drew Do so, and take the letter upstairs to the classroom. Lemon accuses me of being King Victor. He distracts us in that way, and prevents anyone from leaving that room. When everything is clear, we leave the room and go to the library. When he was looking for gems in the room, he thought he was right and said that the gem was nowhere to be found?!"

George cleaned his throat. "I've got to tell you, Mr. Cade," he said grandly. "Your actions on this matter are very unforgivable. If your plans are hindered in the slightest, one of our national treasures will be lost, never to be recovered. Enter Kedek, this is A reckless act, an unforgivable reckless act." "Mr. Romax, I don't think you'd think of it," said Mr. Fish, in a drawn tone. "That historically valuable jewel isn't behind the books in the library at all?" "Not here?" "Absolutely not!" "Do you understand?" Anthony explained to them. "Lord Stiptitch's little figure represents what it stands for—a rose.

On Monday afternoon, as soon as I understood this, I went straight to the rose garden.The same thought occurred to Mr. Fish.If you turn your back on the sundial and walk seven steps straight ahead, then eight steps to the left, and then three steps to the right, you will come to those bright red bushes called Richmond roses.The mansion has been searched everywhere, but no place where the jewels are hidden has been found.However, no one thought of digging in the garden.I propose that we organize a small excavation party tomorrow morning. " "Then what is the claim behind the books in the library that the jewels are—"

"That was something I invented to lure the lady into a trap. Mr. Fish was on guard on the porch, and when the moment of psychological impact came, he would blow his whistle. I can tell you that Mr. Fish and I were in that house in Denver." Martial law was put in place to prevent the Red Hands from contacting that fake Lemon. He gave them an order to evacuate. Then word came from over there that it had been complied with. So he can continue happily Carry out plans to blatantly attack me. "Well, well," said Lord Judham happily. "Everything seems to be satisfactorily explained now."

"Except for one thing," said Ershastein. "what is that?" The financier kept looking at Anthony. "What do you want me to do here? Just as a bystander to help with a play?" Anthony shook his head. "No, Mr. Ershastein. You're a busy man; your time is money. What did you come here for?" "About a loan." "With whom?" "Prince Michael of Hesoslav." "Exactly. Prince Michael is dead. Are you going to extend the loan to his cousin Nicholas on the same terms?" "Can you ask him to come out and talk? I thought he was killed in the Congo."

"Yes, he was killed. I killed him. I was not a murderer. When I said I killed him, I meant that I spread the news of his death. Mr. Ershastein, I promise. Give you a prince. What do you think of 'me'?" "you?" "Yes, I am that man. Nicholas Sejus Ferdinand Obolovich. That name is too long for the life I want to live. So, in the Congo, I used simple The name Anthony Cade came up." Little Captain Andrews was taken aback. "But it's unbelievable," he blurted out quickly. "Sir, be careful, you have to be careful when you speak."

"I can give you a lot of evidence," Anthony said calmly. "I think I can convince the Baron here." The Baron raised his hand. "Your evidence, I shall examine, yes. But, to me, it is unnecessary. Your words alone are enough to convince me. And, your English mother, whom you resemble, I Always said: 'This young man, his paternal and his matrilineal, both come from famous families.'” "You always take my word for it, Baron," said Anthony. "I can assure you that in the future I will not forget." Then he looked over at the Chief Inspector of Combat.The Inspector General's face remained expressionless.

"You can understand." Anthony said with a smile. "My position has always been extremely dangerous. All the people in this building probably have good reason to hope that Michael Oborovich will not get in their way, because I am the next in line to the throne. I have always been particularly afraid of the Chief Inspector of Combat .I always felt he was suspicious of me, but; lacked motivation to act." "I never believe you'd kill him, sir," said the Combat Inspector-General. "We have a feeling about something like this. But I know what you're afraid of.

If I had known who you really were earlier, I think I would have arrested you based on the evidence. " "I'm glad because I've managed to keep one of my guilty secrets from you. You've been slowly revealing my other secrets. Combat, you're a good hand at the kind of work you hold. In the future I will always think of the Metropolitan Police Department with awe." "It's amazing," murmured George, "I've never heard of anything as amazing as this. I—I almost Can't believe it. You are sure, Baron. "My dear Lomax," said Anthony, with a touch of seriousness in his tone.

"I have no intention of asking the British Foreign Office to support my claim without presenting the most convincing evidence. I propose that we adjourn now, and that I discuss with the Baron and Mr. Ershastein the terms of the loan which have been proposed. " The baron stood up, his heels clicking together. "My lord, when I see you king of Hesoslav," he said solemnly, "it will be the most honorable moment of my life." "Oh, Baron, by the way," said Anthony casually, hooking his arm, "I forgot to tell you. There is a condition attached to this deal. I'm married, you know?" The baron took a step or two back, his face clouded with disappointment. "I knew something was wrong," he exclaimed. "Merciful Lord! He married a man and woman in Africa!" "Well, well! It's not so bad." Anthony couldn't help laughing. "She's white enough—by God's grace, she's white through and through." "Okay. Then, this may be a very good marriage between the royal family and the common people." "That's not right at all, she will play the queen of my king. It's no use shaking your head, she can do it happily. She is a lady of the British nobles. If you look at her ancestral roots, go back to the Conqueror King. William I. It is very fashionable at present to intermarry royals and nobles—and, besides, she knows a thing or two about Herzoslav." "Alas!" exclaimed George Lomax, contrary to his usual exactness. "No—no—Virginia River?" "Yes, Virginia Redford." "Good fellow!" exclaimed the Marquis of Judham. "I mean- Your Excellency, congratulations! real.She is lovely. " "Thank you, Lord Judham," said Anthony. "Exactly, even more than your praise." But Mr. Ershastein was looking at him curiously. "Excuse me, sir, when was your wedding?" Anthony smiled back. "Actually," he said. "I just married her this morning."