‘And what is the information you want?’ he asked. ‘It is very simple. I want to know the real bearing of the recent Peace Rescript of the Tsar. Let me explain,’ I went on quickly, raising my hand as I saw he was about to speak. ‘I know the surface explanation of the matter, but I do not believe it. I do not believe that this rescript would ever have seen the light unless the Council of State had some purpose of their own to serve by it, and I want to know what that purpose is. It is not to lessen the burden of their own armaments; they could do that, if they chose, to-morrow. This is an appeal to the other Powers to disarm, and I want to know why it has been made.’ The Grand Duke listened to this speech in silence, biting his lips with an air of indecision from which I augured a good result. ‘You seem to know a good deal, M. de Sarthe,’ he said sullenly. ‘Surely you must know that I am not in the secrets of our Foreign Office.’ ‘I believe that, of course, if you say so, sir. But I believe as well that the Tsar did not draw up this document without your encouragement, and that in encouraging the Tsar, you acted as the instrument of the Council of State. I am entitled to suppose that you were not a blind instrument, but that you knew pretty well why the Council were so ready to fall in with the enthusiastic impulses of Nicholas II.’ It was a bold thrust, but it went home. The Grand Duke gave me a startled look, and relapsed into a long spell of silent pondering. Finally he said-- ‘And supposing I were to tell you something that you considered it worth a million roubles to hear, what guarantee have I that you would not betray my secret? What proof have I even now that you are not a spy set on by my enemies in the Council of State?’ ‘I will give your Highness that proof on condition that, if it is satisfactory, you will accept my proposal.’ ‘I consent.’ ‘Then all I need do is to invite you to make your communication, not to me but to the Ambassador of the Sublime Porte, whom you will hardly suspect of being in the confidence of M. Pobiedonostzeff.’ With these words I rose to my feet. Stupefied for a moment, the Grand Duke recovered himself in time to make a detaining gesture. ‘Do not go, monsieur. What you have said completely satisfies me. It appears that I am required to betray my country.’ ‘That depends,’ I returned smoothly. ‘If the Council of State is plotting to betray the Tsar, as I understand it is, I should have thought it consistent with the honour of a Russian prince of the blood to take part in defeating their unworthy schemes.’ This was evidently a new view to his Imperial Highness, and I could see by the expression of his face that it was telling powerfully. ‘Well,’ he said at length, ‘it seems to me that you have my word. When do you propose to pay me this money?’ ‘Now, this moment, if your Highness pleases.’ ‘Count it out, then,’ was the brief injunction.