Read "Her Majesty's Minister" by William le Queux online for free on Textopian. Full text with search, annotations, highlights, and AI-powered reading aids.
I sprang quickly to the door, and looked down the passage out into the village street; but he had already made his exit. By the time I had reached the porch of the inn he was already striding quickly along the dusty highway. He turned to glance back, and I perceived that he was thin-faced, with high cheekbones and a small black beard. He was carrying his thick stick jauntily, and walking smartly, with an easy gait which at that moment struck me as being distinctly military.
"Who is that man? " I inquired eagerly of the landlord, who stood beside me, evidently surprised at my sudden rush towards the door.