CHAPTER XXVI.
"NOBLESSE OBLIGE" The Duke selected my most comfortable easy chair and remained silent for several minutes, looking thoughtfully out of the window.
Notwithstanding the fresh colour, which he seldom lost, and the trim perfection of his dress, I could see at once that there was a change in him.

The lines about his mouth were deeper, his eyes had lost much of their keen brightness.

I found myself wondering whether, after all, some suspicion of Lord Blenavon's doings had found its way to him.
"You are well forward with your work, I trust, Mr.Ducaine ?" he said at last.
"It is completed, your Grace," I answered.
"The proposed subway fortifications as well as the new battery stations ?" "Yes, your Grace." "What about the maps ?" "I have done them also to the best of my ability, sir," I answered.

"I am not a very expert draughtsman, I am afraid, but these are at least accurate.

If you would care to look them over, they are in the library safe." "And the code word ?" In accordance with our usual custom I scribbled it upon a piece of paper, and held it for a moment before his eyes.