For the nation was preparing to inter in the National Valhalla the remains of just Henry Leek! Priam's mind had often a sardonic turn; he was assuredly capable of strange caprices: but even he could not permit an error so gigantic to continue.

The matter must be rectified, and instantly! And he alone could rectify it.

The strain on his shyness would be awful, would be scarcely endurable.

Nevertheless he must act.

Quite apart from other considerations, there was the consideration of that hundred and forty thousand pounds, which was his, and which he had not the slightest desire to leave to the British nation.