[Illustration: “‘Will you permit me to ask you,’ he said politely,
‘if you have ever done any business on behalf of the Emperor of
Austria-Hungary?’”]
‘You would not be believed. No one will credit the British Government
with intelligence enough to acquire knowledge of its enemies’
intentions. But that is a point which I can safely leave to your
discretion if the occasion should arise.’
I contented myself with bowing, and waited for the Minister to
proceed.
‘Will you permit me to ask you,’ he said politely, ‘if you have ever
done any business on behalf of the Emperor of Austria-Hungary?’
‘I have been engaged by his Majesty on two occasions,’ I responded.
‘It was I who succeeded in suppressing the facts concerning the death
of the Crown Prince Rudolf, and in establishing the currency of the
version which has now been accepted as serious history. The truth,’
I added, ‘will never be known to any one outside the innermost
circle of the Habsburg family; and I dare not tell it even to your
Excellency. The other occasion I am not at liberty to mention.’
‘Perhaps I can guess it, though,’ the Russian Minister returned with
a shrewd smile. ‘However, the important thing is that you are already
personally known to the Emperor. It follows from that fact that he
has learned to respect and trust you.’
I thanked M. Witte for this compliment by a low bow. At the same time
I was a little on my guard.
‘You know so much of what goes on in Europe, M. V----,’ he resumed,
‘that perhaps it will be no news to you that Francis-Joseph has
decided to abdicate the Dual Crown.’
This announcement, in fact, came as a complete surprise to me.
Fortunately I had time to prepare to receive it calmly.
‘I will not pretend that it is news,’ was my response. ‘But I am
always glad to have my own information confirmed. I shall be grateful
for anything you may tell me on the subject.’
‘I am not going to keep anything from you,’ said the Minister. ‘The
Emperor has made a private announcement of his intention to my own
master, the Tsar, asking for his good offices on behalf of his
proposed successor.’
‘The Archduke Ferdinand?’ I put in rashly.