13413    We had first made an examination of the kitchen, and especially of the kitchen fire, to see whether she might have made away with the papers during the instant that she was alone.

13414    There were no signs, however, of any ashes or scraps.

13415    When we reached Scotland Yard she was handed over at once to the female searcher.

13416    I waited in an agony of suspense until she came back with her report.

13417    There were no signs of the papers.

13418    'Then, for the first time, the horror of my situation came in its full force upon me.

13419    Hitherto I had been acting, and action had numbed thought.

13420    I had been so confident of regaining the treaty at once that I had not dared to think of what would be the consequence if I failed to do so.

13421    But now there was nothing more to be done, and I had leisure to realize my position.

13422    It was horrible!

13423    Watson there would tell you that I was a nervous, sensitive boy at school.

13424    It is my nature.

13425    I thought of my uncle and of his colleagues in the Cabinet, of the shame which I had brought upon him, upon myself, upon everyone connected with me.

13426    What though I was the victim of an extraordinary accident?

13427    No allowance is made for accidents where diplomatic interests are at stake.