"I must ask you," said Lord Prestonkirk, "to exercise a little patience, as it may be a day or two before the matter can be settled one way or the other. I saw the Minister for Foreign Affairs, and told him what you wished. Of course I did not tell him what you told me, but I said I believed there were good reasons for my supporting your application for having the grave opened. I dare say he thinks that it has something to do with politics. Be that as it may, we are on excellent terms, and he promised to see about it, but said it was outside his department, and he must speak to the Minister of Justice, as such affairs were under his control." "I am greatly obliged to you," said Gilbert, earnestly. "Can you give me any idea when you will hear from the Minister again?" "Very soon, I think. I urged that the matter was most important, and said that I should deem it a personal favour if there was as little delay as possible." "You are most kind," said Gilbert, "and I don't know how I am to thank you sufficiently." "Pray do not try, Mr. Eversleigh. You see," continued the Ambassador with a smile, "you have aroused my curiosity, and I must say I am quite keen to know the truth. Come again to-morrow, and perhaps I may have something definite to tell you." Gilbert called at the Embassy the following day, scarcely expecting to hear the "something definite" of which Lord Prestonkirk had spoken, but to his joy he did. "I have to tell you," said the Ambassador, cordially, "of a most unexpected piece of good fortune." "You have succeeded!" cried Gilbert, excitedly. "Yes; but let me tell you how it came about. It appears that Ucelli, the Syndic of Camajore, has been for a long time in the black books of his superior, the Minister of Justice. This is the piece of good fortune so far as you are concerned. As soon as he heard that Ucelli was suspected of having issued a false death certificate, he instantly said that such a charge must be immediately investigated. So far as I can make out, the Minister was delighted with the opportunity of making things particularly unpleasant for Ucelli, on whom he has had an eye for months. I imagine he is anxious to find a sufficient reason for removing him from his position. You will get the benefit of the Minister's being in this frame of mind. It is a lucky thing for you, and I hope it is a good omen of your success." "Thank you again and again," said Gilbert. "I am infinitely indebted to your Excellency. What can I do to show how thankful I am?" "There is one way," replied the Ambassador, kindly. "I wish you to keep me informed of what takes place--I want to know the sequel to this strange story into which you have brought me." "Oh, I shall be very glad to let you know what happens; I should have done that in any case. Now, your Excellency, what is the next move?"