This last, as it was seldom used, was rarely changed;
but it was my duty, on my return from each mission, immediately
to remit my key to the King, who deposited it in a safe place
until another occasion for its use arose.
It was this key which was missing. I had been accustomed to
carry it in the portfolio with the other papers; but in a sealed
envelope which I broke and again sealed with my own signet
whenever I had occasion to use the cipher. I had last seen the
envelope at Calais, when I handed the portfolio to Maignan before
beginning my journey to Paris; the portfolio had not since been
opened, yet the sealed packet was missing.
More than a little uneasy, I recalled Maignan, who had withdrawn
after delivering up his charge, "You rascal!" I said with some
heat. "Has this been out of your custody?"
"The bag?" he answered, looking at it. Then his face changed.
"You have cut your finger, my lord," he said.
I had cut it slightly in unbuckling the portfolio, and a drop or
two of blood had fallen on the papers.
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