They are peopled almost exclusively by primitive native tribes and poor white farmers. A few of the people are tolerably prosperous, most of them just scratch a living. The territories are backward, moribund, useless. Or they have been until now.'

Bergsen looked up, but said nothing.

'In one of those primitive, useless colonies, something has been discovered,' Zapopulous said, and his voice was harsh. 'What it is, I don't know: gold, diamonds, oil. And I don't know in which one. But I do know that the Duchy is quite unable to take advantage of the discovery. She is weak, threatened from all sides, desperate for military aid. And in return for this she is prepared to cede that entire territory, her only negotiable asset, to the British.'

Zapopulous sat up. His voice grew higher. 'Some people in one of those little blue patches are sitting on a fortune. And they do not know it. Their land will shortly become immensely valuable. Whereas now - now, most of those people could be bought out for a comparative pittance.'

Bergsen nodded. 'If we knew who they were. You want me to find out?'

'You are quick, Bergsen. That is just what I want: ascertain what mineral has been discovered and the precise location of it. Bring me the information when you have it; later you can handle the actual purchasing of the land on my behalf.'

'You don't think that there might be a risk? If the whole colony - whichever it is - is going to change hands, might not individual landowners lose their holdings?'

'Pah! Nonsense!' Zapopulous made a gesture of contempt. 'Whatever government is in control of the territory, it will not affect the legal standing of individuals. The British government are not Bolsheviks. They will respect the rights of landowners. I intend to be the biggest landowner. And the first essential is to discover which land is involved. Find out - and ten per cent of everything I make will be yours.'

He was being offered the chance of a fortune, but Bergsen displayed no emotion - and offered no thanks. He waited, aware that there was more to come.

'Very shortly,' Zapopulous continued, 'a representative of the Grand Duke, a man named Martin Adler, is going to England to discuss the deal with a British government minister. Who this minister is to be and where the meeting is to take place, I do not know. How you make use of this information is entirely up to you. But obviously if by some means you can learn what is said at the meeting, your job will be done. Now go. Do not come again until you have all the information I require.