‘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. Last year. The King of Bosnia sued for it, but his proposal was declined.’ ‘Why?’ ‘Because my nephew was considered to be a more suitable match for her.’ ‘Not because the personal character of his Majesty of Bosnia is scarcely of the brightest?’ ‘No. Unfortunately it is usually impossible to consider questions of personal character when a royal match is concerned.’ ‘Then, if for any reason the marriage of Princess Anna with your nephew was frustrated, the King of Bosnia would have a fair chance in that quarter?’ ‘He would. The political aspect of things would be perfectly satisfactory.’ ‘Thanks!’ said Racksole. ‘I will wager another hundred thousand dollars that someone in Bosnia--I don’t accuse the King himself--is at the bottom of this business. The methods of Balkan politicians have always been half-Oriental. Let us go.’ ‘Where?’ ‘To this precious house of Nella’s adventure.’ ‘But surely it is too early?’ ‘So it is,’ said Racksole, ‘and we shall want a few things, too. For instance, a dark lantern. I think I will go out and forage for a lantern.’ ‘And a revolver?’ suggested Prince Aribert. ‘Does it mean revolvers?’ The millionaire laughed. ‘It may come to that.’ ‘Here you are, then, my friend,’ said Racksole, and he pulled one out of his hip pocket. ‘And yours?’ ‘I,’ said the Prince, ‘I have your daughter’s.’ ‘The deuce you have!’ murmured Racksole to himself. It was then half past nine. They decided that it would be impolitic to begin their operations till after midnight. There were three hours to spare. ‘Let us go and see the gambling,’ Racksole suggested. ‘We might encounter the Berlin lady.’