My idea is that the murder of poor
Dimmock and the disappearance of my nephew are entirely
unconnected - unless, indeed, this Berlin actress is playing into the
hands of the murderers. I had not thought of that.'
'Then what do you propose to do to-night?'
'I propose to enter the house which Miss Racksole entered last
night and to find out something definite.'
'I concur,' said Racksole. 'I shall heartily enjoy it. But let me tell
you, Prince, and pardon me for speaking bluntly, your surmise is
incorrect. I would wager a hundred thousand dollars that Prince
Eugen has been kidnapped.'
'What grounds have you for being so sure?'
'Ah! said Racksole, 'that is a long story. Let me begin by asking
you this.
Are you aware that your nephew, Prince Eugen, owes a million of
money?'
'A million of money!' cried Prince Aribert astonished. 'It is
impossible!'
'Nevertheless, he does,' said Racksole calmly. Then he told him all
he had learnt from Mr Sampson Levi.
'What have you to say to that?' Racksole ended. Prince Aribert
made no reply.
'What have you to say to that?' Racksole insisted.
'Merely that Eugen is ruined, even if he is alive.'
'Not at all,' Racksole returned with cheerfulness. 'Not at all. We
shall see about that. The special thing that I want to know just now
from you is this:
Has any previous application ever been made for the hand of the
Princess Anna?'
'Yes.
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