"Could you accurately reproduce the plans of the fortress?"

"I think so. It would be fairly simple."

"Have you studied engineering?"

"Yes."

"And you could scientifically enumerate the defects in the constructionof the fort?"

"It would not be somewhat difficult, sir."

"It has come to our ears that you consider the fortress weak in severalparticulars. Have you so stated at any time?"

"I told the princess that the fortress is deplorably weak. In fact, Ithink I mentioned that it could be taken with ease." He was not lookingat Count Marlanx, but he knew that the very aged man's eyes were flaming.Then he proceeded to tell the board how he could overcome the fortress,elaborating on his remarks to Beverly. The ministers listened in wonderto the words of this calm, indifferent young man.

"Will you oblige us by making a rough draft of the fort's interior?"asked Lorry, after a solemn pause. Baldos took the paper and inremarkably quick time drew the exact lay of the fortress. The sketchwent the rounds and apprehensive looks were exchanged by the ministers.

"It is accurate, by Jove," exclaimed Lorry. "I doubt if a dweller in thefort could do much better. You must have been quite observing."