Mr Bonaparte’s gesture towards the polished dining-table showed that he was appreciative of the importance of the period of digestion after dinner.

“Please do not give it another thought, sir,” said Hornblower. “And if it should be more convenient for you to speak French pray do so.”

“French or English are equally convenient to me, my lord. Or German or Italian, for that matter.”

Now once again that was not like the Emperor—Hornblower had read that his Italian was bad and that he spoke no English at all. A strange sort of madman this must be. Yet that gesture had opened the cloak a little further, and within it Hornblower could see a broad red ribbon and the glitter of a star. The man was wearing the Grand Eagle of the Legion of Honour, so he must be insane. One final test—

“How should I address you, sir?” asked Hornblower.

“As Your Highness, if you could be so good, my lord. Or as Monseigneur—that might be more convenient.”

“Very well, Your Highness. My butler gave me a not very clear account of how I might be of service to Your Highness. Perhaps Your Highness would be kind enough to command me?”

“The kindness is yours, my lord. I tried to explain to your butler that the railway line beside your park has been blocked. The train I was in was unable to proceed farther.”

“Most regrettable, Your Highness. These modern inventions—”

“They have their inconveniences. I understand that as a result of the recent heavy rain the embankment in what they call a cutting has given way, and a large mass of earth, to the amount of some hundreds of tons, has fallen on the rails.”

“Indeed, Your Highness?”

“Yes, I was given to understand that it might even be a matter of some days before the line is clear again. And my business is of an importance which will not brook the delay of a single hour.”

“Naturally, Your Highness. Affairs of State are invariably pressing.”