Kearns glanced about him. There were four windows to the apartment; two of these were closed; the others were open. All four windows were securely shaded with heavy blinds. Kearns crossed over and carefully examined each window-casing and shade. “Was it through a window?” continued the King. “Possibly, Sire,” answered Kearns. “You say possibly,” exclaimed the King, somewhat petulantly, “yet how is it possible? On the ground directly beneath those windows are two sentinels; on the roof directly above are two other sentinels. The trees of the park are many feet away and from them no shot could be fired which could possibly strike at the angle this shot struck. Besides, you see the shades are undisturbed; no bullet has passed through them. How do you account for all this?” “I’ll know far more by this time to-morrow, Sire,” answered Kearns calmly, “after I’ve concluded my investigations. In the meantime, I ask that nothing here be disturbed.” “And you will speak then to-morrow?” exclaimed the King eagerly. “It was agreed, Sire,” said Kearns, with dignity, “in order to ensure my usual success, that I should be permitted to pursue my usual methods. I’ll speak, Sire, at my usual time.” “Speak at your usual time!” repeated the King, apparently somewhat bewildered. “And when is that?” Kearns touched the foot of the prostrate dog lightly with his own. “When,” he answered with cold determination, “when I hold the assassins within my net--securely within my grasp!” CHAPTER XIV THE COUNTERPLOT “Tell me, Professor,” said Kearns to Dean at fourteen o’clock on the following day, “I’ve reason to believe I’ll need you badly in clearing up matters here. Will you help me?” “I’m a little hurt at the question,” replied the Professor. “I should have hoped you would have taken the answer as a matter of course. How long will you need me? I’m at your service regardless of the length of time; but I ask because the last thing General Mainwarren did before leaving for Pennsylvania this morning was to request me to communicate with him speedily regarding the offer which he made me.” “How long shall I need you?” repeated Kearns reflectively. “I can’t say. That depends, I imagine, largely upon you.” “Very well,” answered Professor Dean, “General Mainwarren will have to wait. Suppose you begin by telling me how I can be of use to you.” “I have already explained to you the nature of the case,” said Kearns. “I had another interview with His Nibs--that is--ah--His Majesty, I mean--this morning, but it did not result in my ascertaining anything of value beyond that which I already knew.” “Indeed!” commented the Professor. “No. It seems,” continued Kearns, “that after returning from the ball, the King immediately disrobed, retired, and was soon sound asleep. He was awakened by a sharp bark from the dog and sprang up just in time to see the animal fall in its death agony. At the same moment he noticed the flutter of the white paper on the floor.”