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diff --git a/29162-h/29162-h.htm b/29162-h/29162-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..aecdc0c --- /dev/null +++ b/29162-h/29162-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,11574 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> +<head> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=ISO-8859-1" /> +<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Traitors, by E. Phillips (Edward Phillips) Oppenheim</title> + <style type="text/css"> + + p { margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; + } + h1,h2,h3,h4 { + text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ + clear: both; + } + td {vertical-align: bottom;} + + hr.large {width: 65%; margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 2em;} + hr.medium {width: 45%; margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 2em;} + hr.tiny {width: 10%; margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em;} + + div.centered {text-align:center;} /*work around for IE centering with CSS problem part 1 */ + div.centered table {margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; text-align:left;} /* work around for IE problem part 2 */ + + body{margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; + } + + .pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ + /* visibility: hidden; */ + position: absolute; + left: 92%; + font-size: smaller; + text-align: right; + } /* page numbers */ + + .blockquot{margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 10%;} + + .bbox {border-style: double; border-width: thick;} + .centerbox {width: auto; /* heading box */ + margin-left: 10em; + margin-right: 10em; + text-align: center; + padding-bottom: 0.25em;} + .gap {margin-top: 1.5em;} + .smallgap {margin-top: 0.65em;} + .ispace {margin-top: 2em;} + .center {text-align: center;} + .smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} + .right {margin-left: 15em;} + .right2 {margin-left: 23em;} + .caption {font-weight: bold; font-size: 90%; text-align: center;} + + .figcenter {margin: auto; text-align: center;} + + hr.full { width: 100%; + margin-top: 3em; + margin-bottom: 0em; + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; + height: 4px; + border-width: 4px 0 0 0; /* remove all borders except the top one */ + border-style: solid; + border-color: #000000; + clear: both; } + pre {font-size: 85%;} + </style> +</head> +<body> +<h1>The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Traitors, by E. Phillips (Edward +Phillips) Oppenheim</h1> +<pre> +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at <a href = "http://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a></pre> +<p>Title: The Traitors</p> +<p>Author: E. Phillips (Edward Phillips) Oppenheim</p> +<p>Release Date: June 19, 2009 [eBook #29162]</p> +<p>Language: English</p> +<p>Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1</p> +<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE TRAITORS***</p> +<p> </p> +<h4>E-text prepared by D Alexander<br /> + and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team<br /> + (<a href="http://www.pgdp.net/c/">http://www.pgdp.net</a>)<br /> + from digital material generously made available by<br /> + Internet Archive/American Libraries<br /> + (<a href="http://www.archive.org/details/americana">http://www.archive.org/details/americana</a>)</h4> +<p> </p> +<table border="0" style="background-color: #ccccff;" cellpadding="10"> + <tr> + <td valign="top"> + Note: + </td> + <td> + Images of the original pages are available through + Internet Archive/American Libraries. See + <a href="http://www.archive.org/details/traitors00oppeiala"> + http://www.archive.org/details/traitors00oppeiala</a> + </td> + </tr> +</table> +<p> </p> +<hr class="full" /> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> + +<div class="centerbox bbox"> +<h1>THE TRAITORS</h1> + +<h2><i>By</i> <span class="smcap">E. Phillips Oppenheim</span></h2> + +<p class="center">Author of</p> + +<p class="center">“A Millionaire of Yesterday,” “The<br /> +World’s Great Snare,” etc.</p> + +<p class="smallgap"> </p> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 50px;"> +<img src="images/i001.jpg" width="50" height="125" alt="" title="" /> +</div> + +<p class="smallgap"> </p> + +<p class="center">ILLUSTRATED</p> + +<p class="gap"> </p> + +<h3><span class="smcap">New York</span><br /> +<span class="smcap">Dodd, Mead & Company</span><br /> +1903</h3></div> + +<hr class="large" /> + +<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Copyright, 1902</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">By <span class="smcap">E. Phillips Oppenheim</span></span></p> + +<hr class="tiny" /> + +<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Copyright, 1903</span><br /> +By <span class="smcap">Dodd, Mead & Company</span></p> + +<hr class="tiny" /> + +<p class="center"><i>First Edition published March, 1903</i></p> + +<hr class="large" /> +<p><a name="Frontispiece" id="Frontispiece"></a></p><div class="figcenter" style="width: 356px;"> +<img src="images/i003.jpg" width="356" height="500" alt="“MARIE ... SHOT THE MAN THROUGH THE HEART.”" title="" /> +<span class="caption">“MARIE ... SHOT THE MAN THROUGH THE HEART.”</span> +</div> + +<hr class="large" /> + +<div class="centered"><h2>CONTENTS</h2> +<table border="0" width="60%" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="10" summary="CONTENTS"> + +<tr> +<td align="left">CHAPTER I.</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#The_Traitors">1</a></td> +<td> </td> +<td align="left">CHAPTER XXVI.</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVI">181</a></td></tr> + +<tr> +<td align="left">CHAPTER II.</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_II">6</a></td> +<td> </td> +<td align="left">CHAPTER XXVII.</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVII">186</a></td></tr> + +<tr> +<td align="left">CHAPTER III.</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_III">13</a></td> +<td> </td> +<td align="left">CHAPTER XXVIII.</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVIII">193</a></td></tr> + +<tr> +<td align="left">CHAPTER IV.</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_IV">22</a></td> +<td> </td> +<td align="left">CHAPTER XXIX.</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIX">201</a></td></tr> + +<tr> +<td align="left">CHAPTER V.</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_V">29</a></td> +<td> </td> +<td align="left">CHAPTER XXX.</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXX">206</a></td></tr> + +<tr> +<td align="left">CHAPTER VI.</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_VI">35</a></td> +<td> </td> +<td align="left">CHAPTER XXXI.</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXI">211</a></td></tr> + +<tr> +<td align="left">CHAPTER VII.</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_VII">43</a></td> +<td> </td> +<td align="left">CHAPTER XXXII.</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXII">215</a></td></tr> + +<tr> +<td align="left">CHAPTER VIII.</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">52</a></td> +<td> </td> +<td align="left">CHAPTER XXXIII.</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXIII">222</a></td></tr> + +<tr> +<td align="left">CHAPTER IX.</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_IX">60</a></td> +<td> </td> +<td align="left">CHAPTER XXXIV.</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXIV">228</a></td></tr> + +<tr> +<td align="left">CHAPTER X.</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_X">68</a></td> +<td> </td> +<td align="left">CHAPTER XXXV.</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXV">234</a></td></tr> + +<tr> +<td align="left">CHAPTER XI.</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XI">76</a></td> +<td> </td> +<td align="left">CHAPTER XXXVI.</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXVI">240</a></td></tr> + +<tr> +<td align="left">CHAPTER XII.</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XII">84</a></td> +<td> </td> +<td align="left">CHAPTER XXXVII.</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXVII">246</a></td></tr> + +<tr> +<td align="left">CHAPTER XIII.</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">93</a></td> +<td> </td> +<td align="left">CHAPTER XXXVIII.</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXVIII">254</a></td></tr> + +<tr> +<td align="left">CHAPTER XIV.</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">102</a></td> +<td> </td> +<td align="left">CHAPTER XXXIX.</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXIX">262</a></td></tr> + +<tr> +<td align="left">CHAPTER XV.</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XV">107</a></td> +<td> </td> +<td align="left">CHAPTER XL.</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XL">268</a></td></tr> + +<tr> +<td align="left">CHAPTER XVI.</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVI">113</a></td> +<td> </td> +<td align="left">CHAPTER XLI.</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XLI">275</a></td></tr> + +<tr> +<td align="left">CHAPTER XVII.</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVII">119</a></td> +<td> </td> +<td align="left">CHAPTER XLII.</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XLII">280</a></td></tr> + +<tr> +<td align="left">CHAPTER XVIII.</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII">127</a></td> +<td> </td> +<td align="left">CHAPTER XLIII.</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XLIII">288</a></td></tr> + +<tr> +<td align="left">CHAPTER XIX.</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIX">136</a></td> +<td> </td> +<td align="left">CHAPTER XLIV.</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XLIV">298</a></td></tr> + +<tr> +<td align="left">CHAPTER XX.</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XX">141</a></td> +<td> </td> +<td align="left">CHAPTER XLV.</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XLV">307</a></td></tr> + +<tr> +<td align="left">CHAPTER XXI.</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXI">145</a></td> +<td> </td> +<td align="left">CHAPTER XLVI.</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XLVI">314</a></td></tr> + +<tr> +<td align="left">CHAPTER XXII.</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXII">153</a></td> +<td> </td> +<td align="left">CHAPTER XLVII.</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XLVII">320</a></td></tr> + +<tr> +<td align="left">CHAPTER XXIII.</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIII">161</a></td> +<td> </td> +<td align="left">CHAPTER XLVIII.</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XLVIII">327</a></td></tr> + +<tr> +<td align="left">CHAPTER XXIV.</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIV">168</a></td> +<td> </td> +<td align="left">CHAPTER XLIX.</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XLIX">332</a></td></tr> + +<tr> +<td align="left">CHAPTER XXV.</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXV">175</a></td> +<td> </td> +<td align="left">CHAPTER L.</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_L">339</a></td></tr> + +</table></div> + +<hr class="large" /> +<div class="centered"><h2>ILLUSTRATIONS</h2> +<table border="0" width="60%" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="10" summary="ILLUSTRATIONS"> + +<tr> +<td align="left"> </td> +<td align="right">PAGE</td></tr> + +<tr> +<td align="left">“<span class="smcap">Marie ... shot the man through<br /> +the heart,</span>”</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Frontispiece"><i>Frontispiece</i></a></td></tr> + +<tr> +<td align="left">“‘<span class="smcap">I believe,’ he said, ‘that you ought<br /> +to kiss—my hand,</span>’”</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#illo2">160</a></td></tr> + +<tr> +<td align="left">“<span class="smcap">Nicholas of Reist stood on the<br /> +threshold,</span>”</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#illo3">220</a></td></tr> + +<tr> +<td align="left">“‘<span class="smcap">The war is over,’ he cried,</span>”</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#illo4">342</a></td></tr> + +</table></div> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[Pg 1]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="The_Traitors" id="The_Traitors"></a>The Traitors</h2> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I"></a>CHAPTER I</h2> + +<p>“Down with the traitors! Down with the Russian spies! Down with +Metzger!”</p> + +<p>Above the roaring of the north wind rose the clamour of voices, the +cries of hate and disgust, the deep groaning sobs of fierce and +militant anger. The man and the woman exchanged quick glances.</p> + +<p>“They are coming nearer,” he said.</p> + +<p>She drew aside the heavy curtain, and stood there, looking out into +the night.</p> + +<p>“It is so,” she answered. “They are pouring into the square.”</p> + +<p>He rose and stood beneath the great carved mantelpiece. Over his head, +hewn out of the solid oak, black with age and coloured with that deep +richness which is to-day as a lost art, were blazoned the arms of one +of Europe’s noblest families. He, Nicholas of Reist, its sole male +representative, stood deep in thought, his dark young face furrowed +with anxiety. The moment was critical. It was one of a lifetime.</p> + +<p>She dropped the curtain and came over to his side. The flush of +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[Pg 2]</a></span>excitement was in her cheeks. Her eyes were like shining stars. Of +their close relationship there could be no manner of doubt. The same +oval face and finely-cut features, the same pride of race, the same +firm, graceful bearing. Only there were lines upon his face—the lines +of thought and care; whilst hers remained as smooth as damask, +typically and wonderfully beautiful.</p> + +<p>Again the murmur of hoarse voices—nearer now and more clamorous.</p> + +<p>“Down with the traitor Metzger and his accursed government! Reist! +Reist! A Reist!”</p> + +<p>Her white fingers fell upon his shoulder.</p> + +<p>“They are calling for you, Nicholas,” she said, softly. “Listen! It is +the voice of our people, and they need you. Will you go out and speak +to them? Shall I open the window—yes?”</p> + +<p>“Not yet,” he answered, swiftly. “Not yet.”</p> + +<p>Her hands were already upon the curtains. She turned around, an +impatient frown upon her face.</p> + +<p>“You do not hesitate, my brother,” she cried. “No, it is not possible. +It is our country, Nicholas, our homeland which calls for you to save +it.”</p> + +<p>“Ay, to save it—but how? Metzger has made the way difficult.”</p> + +<p>Her eyes flashed fire upon him. She was superbly disdainful.</p> + +<p>“Are you the first Duke of Reist who has governed Theos?” she cried. +“Is there not the blood of former Kings in your veins? Holy Mother, +but it is intolerable that you should hesitate! Nicholas, if you let +these people call in vain you will be the first of our race who <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[Pg 3]</a></span>has +ever shrunk from his duty. I will not call you any longer my brother. +Listen!”</p> + +<p>“Reist! Nicholas of Reist! Down with the common dogs. Down with the +traitors. Down with Metzger!”</p> + +<p>He smiled faintly. Those subtle lines about his mouth were not there +in vain.</p> + +<p>“I wonder where Metzger is hiding,” he murmured. “How good it would be +to see him now. How he would quiver and shake. There is death in those +voices.”</p> + +<p>She flashed a look of impatient scorn upon him.</p> + +<p>“You are trifling with your destiny, Nicholas,” she cried. “What +matters the life or death of such as Metzger? Our people need you. Out +and tell the men of Theos that once again a Reist will save his +country.”</p> + +<p>“Brave words, little sister. Brave words.”</p> + +<p>Her eyes were ablaze with anger.</p> + +<p>“Have I been mistaken in you all these years, Nicholas?” she cried. +“Listen again. Those are the children of your city who call to you for +aid. Have you no longer the heart of a man or the blood of a patriot?”</p> + +<p>A storm of wind and rain shook the high windows. From below came the +sound of a multitude thronging nearer and nearer till the square +seemed filled to overflowing with a surging mob. The man raised his +head as one who listens, and the smile no longer lightened his face. +The woman who watched him anxiously drew a long sigh of relief. She +knew then beyond a doubt that it needed no words from her to fire his +resolution.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[Pg 4]</a></span></p><p>“Marie,” he said, quietly, “those are the voices which I have prayed +all my life that I might hear. Only I fear that they have come too +soon. Have you considered what it is that they would have from me?”</p> + +<p>“They would make you lord of the country,” she cried. “Who better or +more fitted? Have no fear, Nicholas. You come of a race of rulers. The +God of our fathers will guide your destiny.”</p> + +<p>The room, huge, unlit and darkened with tapestry hangings, seemed full +of mysterious shadows. Only those two faces—the girl’s passionate, +the man’s keenly thoughtful—seemed like luminous things. From below +came still the murmur of voices rising every now and then to a hoarse +roar. The man became suddenly explicit. His face relaxed. He came back +from a far-away land of thought.</p> + +<p>“Listen,” he said. “These people have come to put me in Metzger’s +place. There would be no difficulty about that. Already I have +received a message from the House of Laws. Bah! I have no stomach to +sit in council with tradesmen and citizens, to have my will +questioned, to rule only by a casting vote. These modern forms of +government are vile. They would make me President of their +Republic—I, a Reist of Theos, whose forefathers ruled the land with +sword and fire. They would put me in the place of Metzger, the +merchant—Metzger, who would have sold his country to the Russians. I +say no!”</p> + +<p>“What, then?” she cried. “What, then? Speak, Nicholas. There are +thoughts behind. Who but I should know them?”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</a></span></p><p>“When I rule Theos,” he answered, slowly, “it shall be even as the +Dukes of Reist have ruled it before me, with a sceptre in their hands, +and a sword upon their knees. That time is not yet, Marie, but it may +come. I think that you and I will see it.”</p> + +<p>“Why not now?” she cried. “The people would accept you on any terms. +The Republic has fallen. You shall be their King.”</p> + +<p>He shook his head.</p> + +<p>“The time is not yet,” he repeated. “Marie, believe me, I know my +people. In their blood lingers still some taint of the democratic +fever. You must learn, little sister, as I have learned it, the legend +on our walls and shield, the motto of our race, ‘Slowly, but ever +forward.’”</p> + +<p>“But the people,” she cried. “What will you say to them? It is you +whom they want. Their throats are hoarse with shouting.”</p> + +<p>He threw open the great windows, and a roar of welcome from below rose +high above the storm.</p> + +<p>“You shall hear what I will say to them, Marie,” he answered. “Come +out by my side.”</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a>CHAPTER II</h2> + +<p>Almost as the man stepped out on to the massive stone balcony of his +house, the wind dropped, and a red flaring sun dipped behind the +towering mountains which guarded the city westwards and eastwards. A +roar of greeting welcomed his appearance, and while he waited for +silence his eyes rested fondly upon the long line of iron-bound hills, +stern and silent guardians of the city of his birth. For a moment he +forgot his ambitions and the long unswerving pursuit of his great +desire. The love of his country was born in the man—the better part +of him was steeped in patriotic fervour. And most of all, he loved +this ancient city amongst the hills, the capital of the State, where +many generations of his family had lived and died. Dear to him were +its squares and narrow streets, the ancient stone houses, the many +picturesque records of its great age ever, as it seemed to him, +frowning with a stern and magnificent serenity amongst the tawdry +evidences of later days and the irresistible march of modernity. The +wine-shops of a hundred years ago flourished still side by side with +the more pretentious <i>cafés</i>, half French, half Russian, which had +sprung up like mushrooms about the city. The country-made homespuns, +the glassware and metal work, heritage of generations of craftsmen, +survived still the hideous competition of cheap Lancashire productions +and Brummagem ware. The picturesque old fought a brave battle with the +tinsel and tawdriness of the new. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span>If Nicholas of Reist could have had +his way he would have built an impenetrable wall against this slow +poison, the unwelcome heritage of western progress. He would have +thrust the ages back a century and built bulwarks about his beloved +country. He looked downwards, and his heart grew warm within him. Many +of the people who shouted his name were from the country districts and +wore the picturesque garb of their forefathers long extinct in the +city. The sight of their eager, upturned faces was dear to him. Some +day they should be his people indeed. It should be his country to rule +as he thought best. He felt himself at that moment a patriot pure and +simple.</p> + +<p>So he spoke to them in that clear, sweet voice which every Reist +possessed, and he spoke fluently and convincingly.</p> + +<p>“My fellow-countrymen,” he said, “these are not days for those who +love their country to waste breath in idle speech. Your Republic of +which you were so proud has fallen. Metzger has proved himself a +traitor. Well, I am not surprised at either of these things. I warned +you, but you would not listen. Your ancient Kings must indeed have +turned in their graves when you elected to be ruled by such men. You +have tried them, and you have been betrayed. What would you have with +me?”</p> + +<p>“A new government,” they cried. “A Reist for President!”</p> + +<p>He raised his hand. The roar of voices died away at once.</p> + +<p>“You would put me,” he said, “in Metzger’s place. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span>You would make me +President of the Republic of Theos. Is that what you would have?”</p> + +<p>“Ay! Ay!” from a thousand tongues. Then there was a breathless +silence. They waited in deep anxiety for the answer of this man whom +they had come to look upon as their one possible saviour.</p> + +<p>For awhile he stood there speechless, deep in thought. After all, was +he not throwing away a certainty for what might prove an empty dream? +There had been Presidents who had become Dictators, and between that +and Monarchy the chasm was narrow and easily bridged. It was not for +long, however, that he wavered. His plans were too carefully thought +out to be changed by an impulse, however powerful. His time was not +yet.</p> + +<p>“My people,” he said quietly, “I thank you, and I am sorry that what +you ask may not be. It is not because I do not love my country, it is +not because I would not shed my last drop of blood in her defence. But +President of your Republic I never will be. No earthly power should +draw my footsteps across the threshold of your brand-new Parliament.”</p> + +<p>There arose a deep murmur of disappointment—almost of despair. They +shouted questions, appeals, prayers, and Nicholas of Reist leaned far +over his time-worn stone balcony and spoke to them again.</p> + +<p>“You are questioning my patriotism,” he cried. “You do not understand. +Very well, you shall know all that is in my mind. I am going to say +what will sound like treason to you. Perhaps you will shout me +down—it may be that you will leave me now in disgust. Nevertheless, +listen. I hate your Republic. It is a <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span>rotten, corrupt thing. I hate +what you have called your Parliament. There is scarcely a man in it +whom I would trust. What has your new-fangled scheme of government +done for you? It has made you the sport and plaything of the Powers, +our independence is hourly threatened, ay, even before this year has +passed away the cannon of the invader may be thundering against your +walls. When that time comes I promise that you shall not call to me in +vain. You shall find me amongst you sword in hand, and I pray God that +I may do my duty as a patriot and a faithful son of the State. But +this thing which you ask of me now I will not do. I will not take my +seat at the same table with those who have helped Metzger to traffic +in the freedom of this country. I will not speak with or have any +dealing with them. How is it that you have dared to ask me this thing, +men of Theos? Already the war beacons are built—soon they may be +reddening our skies. This is what your Republic has done for you, and +as God is my witness, so long as that Republic exists I will not lift +my little finger to help you.”</p> + +<p>Something of a panic seized the people, for indeed the words of the +speaker had come home to them, winged with a foretelling truth. +Metzger, their President, had been caught red-handed in a flagrant +attempt to barter away the freedom of their country. Who else might +not be implicated? They looked at one another fearfully. One feeling +alone was common to all. Before them was the only man whom they could +trust—one of their ancient nobility, a patriot, above suspicion. He +had more to say. They would take him on his own <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span>terms. So once more +the air was rent with their cries, and Nicholas of Reist raised again +his hand.</p> + +<p>“Listen,” he said. “You want my advice. You have come to me because +the State is in danger, and because those who should have defended it +have played you false. So be it! I speak to you as man to man, citizen +of Theos to citizen of Theos. No Republic can save you. It is a King +you want.”</p> + +<p>A deep, hoarse murmur swept upwards from the packed square. The +Republic had been their plaything, the caprice of an impulsive people, +and they were loth to own themselves in the wrong. Nicholas of Reist +read their faces like a book. Now or never must he win his way from +this people, or fall forever from their regard. His pale countenance +was lit with a passionate earnestness. He leaned towards them, and his +voice throbbed with tremulous eloquence.</p> + +<p>“Listen,” he cried. “You have had a Parliament and a +President—Metzger. What glories has he won for you?—how has he +enriched you, how much more prosperous is our country? I will tell you +what he has done. He has tried to sell you and Theos for a million +pounds. Oh, I am not afraid to tell you the truth, though one of you +should shoot me whilst I stand here. Theos was to become a tributary +state to Russia. Your country, which has defied conquest for a +thousand years, was to be bartered away that one man might live in +luxury on his miserable blood-money. Men of Theos, turn over the back +pages of your country’s history. Think of those heroes who gave their +lives that you might be free men. Think of King Rudolph, who +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span>vanquished all the hosts of Austria, or King Ughtred, who drove the +Turks back across the Balkans in midwinter, and with five thousand +ill-armed men routed the whole army of the Sultan. Remember Rudolph +the Second, who defended this very city for twelve months against +fifty thousand Turks, until for very shame England held up her hand +and all Europe rang with the gallantry of our King and his little band +of half-starved soldiers. Leave Republics to nations who have no past, +and whose souls are steeped in commerce. What have we to do with them? +We have a magnificent history, an ancient and glorious country. We +have soldiers, few perhaps, but matchless throughout the world. And +men of Theos, listen. Metzger has gone far in his treachery. I know +nothing of your State affairs, but this I do know. The covetousness of +those with whom he dealt is whetted. They are not likely to bear their +disappointment quietly. Before many months have passed the storm may +burst—the war beacons may be flaring round our borders. So I say to +you, have no more dealings with Republics. Scatter your Parliament to +the four winds of Heaven, summon back your ancient House of Laws, +choose for yourselves a soldier King, one of the ancient and royal +race, who shall rule you as his forefathers did in times of peace, and +ride before you with drawn sword when the war clouds gather.”</p> + +<p>The babel of many voices broke loose. Reist felt his sister’s fingers +close upon his arm.</p> + +<p>“It is you who must be their King, Nicholas.”</p> + +<p>He shook his head. Then they saw that he would speak again, and the +murmur of voices died away. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span>Reist leaned over towards them, and his +face was very pale. This was his renunciation.</p> + +<p>“My people,” he said, “listen. Many of you have heard of the war which +the English have been carrying on in Egypt. You have heard perhaps of +a Captain Erlito, who, with a dozen men, held a Nile fort for two days +against a thousand dervishes, and for this and other acts of valour +has won the Iron Cross. But this at least you do not know. Captain +Erlito is the assumed name of Ughtred of Tyrnaus, Prince of Theos.”</p> + +<p>The murmur of voices became a roar of acclamation. Then Nicholas of +Reist raised his voice at once.</p> + +<p>“Listen, men of Theos,” he cried. “Is it your will that I seek out for +you Prince Ughtred and offer him the throne of Theos? Think well +before you answer. He is a soldier, a brave and honest man, and he is +of the royal race of Tyrnaus, who for many generations have been Kings +of Theos. He will not sell you to Russia or beckon the hosts of the +Sultan across the mountains. Will you have him for your King?”</p> + +<p>The square, nay, the city, rang with their passionate answer. Never +was anything more unanimous. Nicholas stepped back into the room. His +sister faced him with blazing eyes and cheeks dyed red with anger.</p> + +<p>“Fool!” she cried, “fool! They would have made you King. They were +yours to do what you would with. You have been false to your destiny. +I will never forgive you, Nicholas.”</p> + +<p>He smiled curiously, and pointed upwards to that deep-engraven legend.</p> + +<p>“My time,” he said, “is not yet.”</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a>CHAPTER III</h2> + +<p>The lift went rumbling up to the topmost storey of the great block of +flats, and stopped at last with something of a groan. The gates were +opened, and Reist stepped out. He looked about him at the bare walls, +the stone floor, and shrugged his shoulders. Erlito was none too well +lodged then—soldiering had brought him some brief fame, but little +else. Then he suddenly smiled. The incongruity of the thing was +ridiculous. His sense of humour, by no means a characteristic trait of +the man, was touched. The smile lingered upon his lips. He had come to +offer a kingdom to a pauper!</p> + +<p>The lift-boy slammed his gates and prepared to descend.</p> + +<p>“Captain Erlito’s rooms are at the end of the passage, sir,” he +volunteered. “Last door on the left.”</p> + +<p>The information was properly rewarded, and the boy’s tolerant contempt +for the foreigner, who at his journey’s end seemed afflicted with a +curious hesitation, became an extinct thing. He pulled the rope and +descended in hot haste, a large silver coin locked in his fingers and +a glorious tingling sensation of unbounded wealth in his bosom.</p> + +<p>Reist knocked at the door which had been pointed out to him, and +waited. There came no answer. He tried again, and became conscious of +a confused volume of sounds within, altogether drowning his summons +for <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span>admission. He listened, perplexed. Light and rapid footsteps, the +swishing of a silken skirt, a clear, musical laugh and cry of triumph, +a succession of sounds which were wholly meaningless to him. Surely it +was some sort of pandemonium. A momentary silence was followed by a +chorus of voices. Reist raised his stick and knocked more loudly. A +man’s voice travelled out to him like mild thunder.</p> + +<p>“Come in!”</p> + +<p>Reist opened the door and crossed the threshold. Before him was an +explanation of the sounds which he had heard. Only he was, if +possible, a little more bewildered than ever.</p> + +<p>He was in a high, bare apartment, carpetless, and almost without +furniture. Across the middle of the floor was stretched an upright +net, and on either side of it were chalk-marked squares. Facing him +was a girl with her left foot poised slightly forward, her arm raised, +in the act of striking a feathered cork with a small racquet. By her +side was a man whom Reist recognized at once. Directly he saw his +visitor he stopped the game.</p> + +<p>“One moment, Miss Van Decht,” he cried. “I am wanted.”</p> + +<p>He crossed the room, swinging his racquet in his hand, and addressed +Reist with a pleasant smile.</p> + +<p>“We have been making so much noise,” he said, “that I am afraid we did +not hear your first knock. I am Captain Erlito. You wished to see me?”</p> + +<p>Reist looked him steadily and full in the face. If physique went for +anything this man was surely born to be a King. He was well over six +feet, splendidly made, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span>and of military appearance. His features were +clean-cut in the unmistakable Tyrnaus mould—only his mouth, which, +stern though it was, was full of humour, seemed unfamiliar. His eyes +were a wonderful deep blue, and his skin bronzed and burned with the +Egyptian sun. A momentary bitterness possessed Reist. The people of +Theos would care little for the brains which this man might lack. The +first glance of him would be sufficient. They would shout him King +till they were hoarse.</p> + +<p>“You do not remember me, then?” Reist asked, softly.</p> + +<p>Erlito stood swinging his racquet lightly in his fingers, and looked +into his visitor’s face with pleasant and deferential courtesy.</p> + +<p>“Do you know,” he said, “I am very sorry, but I am afraid that I do +not. I have a very bad memory for faces. There is something about +yours which seems to me familiar, but it comes from a long way back.”</p> + +<p>Reist smiled faintly.</p> + +<p>“Yes,” he said, “it comes indeed from a long way back. It comes from +our boyhood. I hope at least that you have not forgotten my name. I am +Nicholas of Reist.”</p> + +<p>A radiant smile broke across Erlito’s face. He dropped his racquet and +held out both his hands.</p> + +<p>“It is little Nick!” he cried. “By all that is wonderful it is little +Nick! Remember you? Why, we played soldiers together when we were +children. A thousand, thousand welcomes.”</p> + +<p>He wrung his visitor’s hands. His eyes were very bright. He was +undoubtedly affected.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span></p><p>“I am glad that you have not forgotten those days,” Reist murmured. +“As children we were together day by day. Yet it is very long ago, and +for you at least,” he continued, “there have been so many great +happenings.”</p> + +<p>“It is splendid of you to have found me out,” Erlito cried. “I +imagined that no one knew even of my existence. And Marie?”</p> + +<p>“My sister is quite well,” Reist answered. “I had forgotten for the +moment that she too was once your playmate. It is so long ago.”</p> + +<p>“She is with you in London? You are living here, perhaps?” Erlito +asked. “It is the most hospitable city in the world.”</p> + +<p>Reist shook his head.</p> + +<p>“There is only one home for us,” he answered. “I do not love strange +cities.”</p> + +<p>“You mean——”</p> + +<p>“Theos!”</p> + +<p>Erlito’s face clouded suddenly over. He glanced uneasily behind him. +His face became graver, his expression resolved itself into sterner +lines. A sudden bitterness found its way into his tone. The mention of +Theos had stung him.</p> + +<p>“The Republic tolerates aristocrats, then,” he remarked. “You are +fortunate.”</p> + +<p>Reist drew himself up.</p> + +<p>“The Republic,” he answered, proudly, “would never dare to interfere +with us. While the people of Theos remain, we of Reist are safe.”</p> + +<p>There was a momentary pause. Reist was conscious <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span>that his impetuous +speech was scarcely a happy one. For it was this man indeed who was +the outcast—whose name even had become strange to the people over +whom his forefathers had ruled. Erlito showed no resentment, but his +eyes were very sorrowful.</p> + +<p>“Your family,” he said, slowly, “have always been patriots. You +deserve well of your country people.”</p> + +<p>Reist glanced once more around the room.</p> + +<p>“My visit to you,” he said, “is not one of courtesy—nay, let me say +affection, only. I have a weighty matter to discuss with you. Will you +allow me to outstay your guests?”</p> + +<p>“With all the pleasure in the world,” Erlito answered, heartily. “I +should indeed insist upon it.”</p> + +<p>“You will perhaps continue your—game,” Reist suggested, with another +glance towards the net. “My time is yours.”</p> + +<p>Erlito hesitated.</p> + +<p>“You are very good, Nicholas,” he said. “We are, as you see, playing +Badminton, and as a matter of fact we are very much in earnest about +this game. Miss Van Decht and I are playing the deciding match with my +friends there, Hassen and Brand. Let me find you a chair, and present +you to these good people. Afterwards—it will not be long—I shall be +wholly at your service; and, Nicholas, if you please, I am Erlito only +here. You understand?”</p> + +<p>Reist assented gravely, and Erlito turned round. The two players were +talking to the girl across the net. An elderly man with grey imperial +and smoking a long cigar was leaning back in a deck-chair.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span></p><p>“Miss Van Decht,” Erlito said, turning to her, “will you permit me to +present to you my very old friend, the Duke Nicholas of Reist—Miss +Van Decht, Mr. Van Decht, Mr. Hassen, Mr. Brand.”</p> + +<p>Reist bowed low before the girl, who looked straight into his eyes +with a frank and pleasant curiosity. She was largely made, but the +long flowing lines of her figure were perfectly and symmetrically +graceful. Her features were delicate, but her mouth was +delightful—large, shapely and sensitive. Her light brown hair, which +showed a disposition to wave, had escaped bounds a little during the +violent exercise and had fallen into picturesque disorder. She smiled +charmingly at Reist, but said nothing beyond the conventional words of +greeting. Then she looked up at Erlito with twinkling eyes.</p> + +<p>“Mr. Brand is getting insupportable,” she declared. “He is like all +you obstinate Englishmen. He does not know when he is beaten.”</p> + +<p>“We will endeavour,” Erlito said, taking up his racquet, “to impress +it upon him. There are cigarettes by your side, Reist.”</p> + +<p>The girl went to her place at the end of the court.</p> + +<p>“This must be the deciding game,” she declared, “for the light is +going, and dad is smoking his last cigar. Ready! Serve!”</p> + +<p>The game recommenced. Reist sat upon an overturned box by the side of +Mr. Van Decht smoking a cigarette and watching gravely the flying +figures. It was the girl who absorbed most of his attention. To him +she was an utterly new type. She was as beautiful in her way as his +own sister, but her frank energy and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span>the easy terms of intimacy which +obviously existed between her male companions and herself was wholly +inexplicable to him. He watched her with fascinated gaze. All the +beautiful women whom he had ever known had numbered amongst their +characteristics a certain restraint, almost an aloofness, which he had +come to look upon as their inevitable attribute. Their smiles were +rare and precious marks of favour, an undisturbed serenity of +deportment was almost an inherent part of their education. Here was a +woman of the new world, no less to be respected, he was sure, than her +sisters of Theos, Vienna, and St. Petersburg, yet viewing life from a +wholly different standpoint. From the first there was something +curiously fascinating to Reist in the perfect naturalness and +self-assurance of the girl whose every thought and energy seemed +centred just then upon that flying cork. Her lips were slightly +parted, her eyes were bright, her face was full of colour and +vivacity. She sprang backwards and forwards, jumped and stooped with +the delightful freedom of perfect health and strength. She even joined +in the chaff which flashed backwards and forwards across the net, +good-humoured always, and gay, but always personal and indicating a +more than common intimacy between the little party. Reist would have +been quite content to have sat and watched her until the game was +over, but for a sudden, and to him amazing, incident. At a critical +moment Erlito missed a difficult stroke—the younger and slighter of +his two opponents threw his racquet into the air with a curious little +cry of triumph.</p> + +<p>“Ho-e-la! Ho-e-la!”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span></p><p>Reist started almost to his feet, and the blood surged hotly in his +veins. Where had he heard that cry before? He looked the man over with +a swift and eager scrutiny. Olive-cheeked, with black eyes and +moustache, slightly-hooked nose and light, graceful bearing, he might +have belonged to any of the southern nations. He was certainly no +Englishman. “Ho-e-la! Ho-e-la!” How the fever of hate was kindled in +Reist’s heart as the echoes of that cry rang through the room. His +memory, too, was swift and vivid. No longer he sat in that bare attic +watching the flying figures of the Badminton players and listening to +their cheerful badinage. Walls enclosed him no more. He saw out over +the sea and land, he saw things the memory of which still thrilled his +pulses, tugged at his heart-strings. Over the snow-capped hills he +rode, wrapped in military furs, his sabre clanking by his side and a +storm of stinging sleet driven into his face. Below were lights +flashing in a white wilderness—amongst the hills flared the red fire +of the guns, the music of their thunders was even then upon his ears. +Down the steep defile he rode at the head of his troop, the sound of +their approach muffled by the deep snow—afterwards the roar of +meeting, the breathless excitement of the charge, the deep battle-cry +of the men of Theos and from those others—ah, he had it now.</p> + +<p>“Ho-e-la! Ho-e-la! Allah! Allah!”</p> + +<p>A cry of triumph. The game was over. Sara Van Decht threw herself into +a chair between her father and him and fanned herself vigorously with +a pocket-handkerchief. The others were laughing and talking <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span>amongst +themselves. Erlito came over at once to her side.</p> + +<p>“Miss Van Decht,” he cried, gaily, “we are invincible. You played +magnificently. Reist, we are going to have some tea, and then I shall +be at your service. Why, our tussle seems to have interested you.”</p> + +<p>Reist withdrew his eyes reluctantly from watching Hassen. He smiled +faintly.</p> + +<p>“Yes,” he said. “New things are always interesting! New things—and +old friends!”</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV</h2> + +<p>Afternoon tea was brought in by an elderly man-servant in plain +livery, and was probably the most unconventional meal which Reist had +ever shared. They sat about promiscuously upon chairs and overturned +boxes, and there was a good deal of lively conversation. Brand was a +newspaper man, who had served as war correspondent with Erlito in the +Egyptian campaign, Mr. Van Decht and his daughter were rich Americans, +loitering about Europe. Hassen remained silent, and of him Reist +learned nothing further. The little which he knew sufficed.</p> + +<p>Brand came over and sat by Reist’s side. He was a tall, fair man, with +keen eyes and weather-beaten skin—by no means unlike Erlito, save +that his shoulders were not so broad, and he lacked the military +carriage.</p> + +<p>“I am interested in your country, Duke,” he said. “You are making +history there. It seems to me that it may become European history.”</p> + +<p>“Theos has fallen upon evil times,” Reist answered. “All that we pray +of Europe is that we may be left alone. If that be granted us we shall +right ourselves.”</p> + +<p>Sara Van Decht looked across at him with frank interest.</p> + +<p>“Do you come from Theos, Duke?” she asked.</p> + +<p>Reist bowed.</p> + +<p>“I have lived there all my life,” he said, “and I know it better than +any other place.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span></p><p>“It is a very beautiful country,” he continued, “and very dear to its +people. To strangers, though, and specially you who have been brought +up in America, I must confess that we should probably seem outside the +pale of civilization.”</p> + +<p>“Tell me why,” she asked. “What are you so backward in?”</p> + +<p>“Luxuries,” he answered. “We have no electric light.”</p> + +<p>“It is detestable,” she exclaimed.</p> + +<p>“No street cars.”</p> + +<p>“They are abominable!”</p> + +<p>Reist smiled quietly.</p> + +<p>“We have scarcely any railways,” he said, “and the telephone is rare +enough to be a curiosity.”</p> + +<p>She laughed back at him, and gave her empty cup to Brand.</p> + +<p>“Primitivism,” she declared, “is quite the most delightful thing in +the world. Then your politics, too, must be most exciting. You have +revolutions, and that sort of thing, do you not?”</p> + +<p>“I do not understand you, Miss Van Decht,” he said, quietly. “Will you +not tell me what you mean?”</p> + +<p>“The papers are all so vague,” she answered, “but one gathers that +Theos is in a state of political unrest. I believe in South America +they would call that a revolution.”</p> + +<p>Reist’s eyes flashed fire. A faint smile flickered upon Hassen’s lips.</p> + +<p>“There is not any comparison,” he said, haughtily, “any possible +comparison, between the affairs of one of <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span>the most ancient and +historical countries in Europe and the mushroom States of South +America. Theos, it is true, has made mistakes, and she will suffer for +them—she is suffering now.”</p> + +<p>“The Republic, for example,” Hassen remarked, quietly.</p> + +<p>“Theos,” Reist answered, “is a country in which the Republican +instinct is as yet unborn. Her sons are homely and brave, tillers of +the soil, or soldiers. We have few cities to corrupt, and very little +attempt at the education which makes shopkeepers and anarchists of +honest men. Perhaps that is why we have kept our independence. Ay, +kept it, although hemmed in with false friends and open enemies.”</p> + +<p>Reist spoke with fervour, a fire in his dark eyes, a note of passion +vibrating in his slow tones. The girl especially watched him with keen +interest. To her all this was new and incredible. She was used to men +to whom self-restraint was amongst the cardinal virtues, to the +patriotism of torchlight processions and fire-crackers. This was all +so different, it was as though some one had turned back for her the +pages of history.... Reist surely was not of this generation? Erlito +had averted his face, Hassen was busy lighting a cigarette, Mr. Van +Decht was as bewildered as his daughter. Yet Reist’s words, in a way, +had moved all of them. It was Hassen who answered.</p> + +<p>“If the Republican instinct,” he remarked, quietly, “is as yet unborn +in Theos, whence the banishment of the Tyrnaus family, and the +establishment of a Republican government?”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span></p><p>Reist turned full upon him, and his eyes were like the eyes of an +angry lion.</p> + +<p>“Maurice of Tyrnaus,” he said, “was one of the degenerates of a noble +race. I say no more against one whom, if alive, I should still +acknowledge as my King.”</p> + +<p>Hassen shrugged his shoulders.</p> + +<p>“You are a long way from Theos, Count,” he remarked, pointedly. “You +took, I presume, the oath of allegiance to the Republic when it was +formed?”</p> + +<p>“That is a false saying,” Reist answered, scornfully. “I neither took +the oath nor recognized the government.”</p> + +<p>“Yet they allowed you to remain in the capital city?” Hassen asked.</p> + +<p>“There was no one,” Reist answered, “who would have dared to bid me +depart. Of the ancient nobility of Theos we alone remain, alas, close +dwellers in our native country. Else Metzger had been hung in the +market-place with short shrift—he a merchant, a trafficker in coin, +who dared to sit in the ancient Council House of Theos and weave his +cursed treason. And listen, sir,” he continued, turning abruptly upon +Hassen. “You would know whence sprang that evil weed of a Republic! I +will tell you. It was the work of foreign spies working with foreign +gold amongst the outcasts and scum of Theos. It was not the choice of +the people. It was the word of sedition, of cunning bribery, the vile +underhand efforts of foreign politicians seeking to weaken by +treachery a country they dared not, small though it is, provoke to +battle.”</p> + +<p>There followed a strange, tense silence. No one thought of +interruption. They held their breath and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span>waited. The conversation +which had started harmlessly enough had become a duel. The grim shadow +of tragedy seemed suddenly to have stalked in amongst them. Hassen +sprang to his feet, livid, his coal-black eyes on fire. Reist was +facing him, his head thrown back, passionate, contemptuous, bitter. +With a swift, threatening gesture he threw out his arm towards his +adversary.</p> + +<p>“Hassen Bey,” he said, “my private enemies I meet under the roof of my +friends, and courtesy demands that I hold my peace and pass on. The +enemies of my country I denounce at all times, and in all places. You +are a Turkish spy, one of those of whom I have been speaking, who +sought the hospitality of Theos only to scatter gold amongst the +common people to plot and intrigue for your master, the Sultan. Oh, I +know that you are also a soldier and a brave man, for I have met you +face to face in battle, and may God grant that I do so again. Yet you +are a spy and a treacherous rogue, and I am very thankful that I have +come here to tell you so, and to order you to leave this roof.”</p> + +<p>Hassen had recovered himself. He turned to Erlito.</p> + +<p>“The Duke of Reist,” he said, quietly, “is a friend of yours. Perhaps +it is better that I should go. I regret very much to have been the +passive cause of such an outbreak. Miss Van Decht, you will accept my +apologies.”</p> + +<p>Erlito was very grave. He did not seem to see the hand which Hassen +held out to him.</p> + +<p>“Hassen,” he said, “we have been friends, but I do not understand +these things which the Duke of Reist <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span>has said of you. You have spoken +of yourself as a Frenchman—of Theos or of Turkey I have heard +nothing. Have you any explanation to offer?”</p> + +<p>Hassen shrugged his shoulders lightly.</p> + +<p>“My dear Erlito,” he said, “the Duke of Reist is an honest man, +but—he will forgive me—he is an anachronism. He should have lived +two centuries ago—or, better still, he would have made an excellent +crusader. The necessities of modern diplomacy are unknown to him. He +has passed all his days in a semi-civilized country. He is not a +fitting judge of the things which happen to-day.”</p> + +<p>A sudden lightning flashed in Erlito’s blue eyes. He drew himself to +his full height, and pointed towards the door.</p> + +<p>“That semi-civilized country, sir, is mine also, and if you are one of +those who have sought to corrupt it, I beg that you will leave this +room while you may with a whole skin. At once, sir!”</p> + +<p>The imperturbability of the man was clearly disturbed. He looked at +Erlito in amazement. The face of Nicholas of Reist shone with joy.</p> + +<p>“Your country?” Hassen repeated, incredulously. “What have you to do +with Theos?”</p> + +<p>Erlito hesitated—not so Reist. He stepped forward, and the leaping +firelight threw a strange glow upon his pale, mobile features.</p> + +<p>“After all,” he cried to Hassen, “it seems that you are but a poor +fool of a conspirator. I will do you an honour which you ill deserve. +I will present you to his Royal Highness, Prince Ughtred, of Tyrnaus.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span></p><p>“Gracious!”</p> + +<p>The single monosyllable—from Sara Van Decht—was the only speech +which broke the amazed silence. She was leaning forward in her chair, +gazing eagerly at the three men, her beautiful eyes eloquent with +excitement—a crown of fire gleaming in her brown-gold hair. No one +noticed her. Hassen, who had regained his composure, but in whose face +was written a deep self-disgust, moved towards the door. With his +fingers upon the handle he paused and looked back at the little group.</p> + +<p>“You are both,” he said, in a low tone, “a little hard upon a soldier, +and a servant of the Sultan, with whom obedience is forced to become +an instinct. Of that—no more. But there is one thing which you may +call me as often and as thoroughly as you will, for it is as true as +the Koran, that I am an absolute—a blind fool!”</p> + +<p>He passed out, and they heard him singing for the lift. Sara Van Decht +looked up at Brand, who was sitting next to her. Her half-whispered +remark dissolved the situation.</p> + +<p>“I suppose that we are all awake,” she said. “I feel as though I +wanted to pinch myself to be sure of it.”</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V"></a>CHAPTER V</h2> + +<p>“And what has brought you to London, Nicholas, my friend?” Erlito +asked. “Is it pleasure, or you have perhaps a mission to the English +Government?”</p> + +<p>It was the great moment. Reist, too restless to sit down, stood upon +the hearthrug, the angry fire lingering in his eyes, a spot of dull +colour burning still in his cheeks. He had not yet got over the shock +of finding one of the men he most hated and despised in life a guest +in this house of all others.</p> + +<p>“Pleasure,” he repeated, thoughtfully. “People would call me a +fanatic, yet nevertheless, Ughtred, this is the truth. There is no +pleasure for me outside my country. The life of the European capitals +chokes me. There is a tawdriness about them all, something artificial +and unreal. I do not know how to describe it, but it is there—in +Petersburg, in Paris, in London and Vienna. It is like a gigantic +depression. I seem to become in them a puppet, a shadow walking across +a great stage. Always I am longing to be back in Theos—in Theos where +the winds blow down from the hills, and the faces of the men and women +in the streets are clean with health. Ah, my friend, I know what you +would say. The great cities, too, with their factories and huge +buildings which shut out the sky, they are part of God’s earth. The +smoke which stains the heavens comes from the making of useful and +beautiful things. Yet I watch <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span>my peasants tilling their little farms, +tending their hillside vineyards, without luxuries, without knowledge +of luxuries, ever light-hearted, contented, strong and healthy as +children of the earth should be. The love of that little strip of land +of theirs is the keynote of their patriotism. It is a passion, a joy +to them. Oh, do you wonder that I think these things are best!”</p> + +<p>Erlito’s eyes were full of sympathy. His head sank upon his folded +arms. His thoughts travelled backwards. It was so many years ago, yet +he could remember.</p> + +<p>“Listen, Nicholas,” he said. “I have travelled much more than you. I +have been in many strange countries and seen life under many strange +conditions. But all the while there has been a pain in my heart. I +have found no home. I, too, love Theos! There will come a day when no +sentence of banishment will keep me away.”</p> + +<p>Reist looked up. The moment had come.</p> + +<p>“That day,” he said, “may be nearer than you think. Ughtred, I have +left Theos on no slight business. I am here with a mission, and my +mission is to you!”</p> + +<p>Erlito’s eyes were full of questioning wonder.</p> + +<p>“The accursed Republic,” Reist continued, “has fallen like a pack of +cards. There is panic in the city and throughout the country. Theos +knows now that she has been deceived and misguided, that she has been +brought to the very verge of ruin. The Powers no longer continue to +assure her of their protection. A sovereign and a Tyrnaus had ever a +claim upon them, not so this bastard and bungling Republic. The city +is <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span>full of Russian spies, the Austrians watch us night and day, the +Turks are creeping up even to the Balkans. Rumours of partition have +reached us from the great Cabinets. Ughtred of Tyrnaus, there is only +one man to-day who can save the country, and that man is you.”</p> + +<p>Erlito dropped his pipe, and leaned forward in his chair.</p> + +<p>“Are you mocking me, Reist?” he asked.</p> + +<p>“May God forbid,” Reist answered, fervently, “that I should speak idle +words upon such a subject. The people of Theos are still brave and +true, and their freedom is as dear to them as life itself. They came +to me, who for long have lived apart, and I have shown them what I +truthfully believe to be their only chance of salvation. You are that +chance, Ughtred. The throne of your fathers is yours if you will have +it. A brave man can seize it, and a brave man can hold it in the teeth +of all Europe, and by your God and for the sake of the blood which is +in your veins, Ughtred of Tyrnaus, I summon you to return with me to +Theos.”</p> + +<p>Erlito rose slowly up. His cheeks were flushed with excitement. +Reist’s appeal had moved him deeply.</p> + +<p>“You mean this?” he said. “You mean that you bring me this message +from the people of Theos?”</p> + +<p>Reist raised his hand solemnly.</p> + +<p>“I mean that on their behalf I, Nicholas of Reist, than whom none has +a better right to speak for their country, offer you the crown of +Theos.”</p> + +<p>Erlito walked restlessly up and down the little study into which he +had brought his visitor.</p> + +<p>“We of Tyrnaus,” he said, “are under sentence of perpetual exile.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span></p><p>“It was the illegal sentence of an illegal assembly,” Reist answered. +“The voice of the people has revoked it. They bid you forget all else +save that your native land looks to you in her hour of trouble. +Listen. It is no rose-strewn way along which you will pass to your +inheritance. There will be no popular reception, no grand ceremony. We +must travel day and night to Theos, secretly, perhaps even in +disguise. You must be crowned King in the Palace the moment we arrive +there. Secretly I have already called together the army, for the +moment the news is known there will be a storm. There are Russians and +Austrian secret agents in Theos, each working for their own ends. They +believe that I have gone to Vienna and Petersburg to beg for the +intercession of the Powers. Meanwhile the Turkish dogs are creeping up +the Balkans. They are gathered around our country, Ughtred, like +wreckers waiting for the ship to break up. It is for you to steer that +ship into safe waters.”</p> + +<p>There was a long silence. Erlito was standing with his elbow upon the +mantelpiece, looking into the fire. In his heart were many emotions, +in his face a strange light. A new world had been opened up before +him. He saw great things moving across the vista of the future. No +longer then need he brood over an empty life, or bewail the idle sword +of a gentleman of fortune. Here was stuff enough to make a dozen +careers, a future, successful or unsuccessful, more brilliant than +anything else which he could have conceived. But Reist, who failed to +read his companion’s thoughts, was troubled. This prolonged silence +was inexplicable to him.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span></p><p>“You do not hesitate?” he asked at last.</p> + +<p>Erlito laughed and drew himself up.</p> + +<p>“You must not think so ill of me as that, Nicholas,” he answered. +“Nay, there was no thought of hesitation in my mind. I accept—gladly, +thankfully. Only you must know this. Of soldiering I have learnt a +little, and nothing would make me happier than to lead the men of +Theos into battle. But of statesmanship I know little, and of +kingcraft nothing at all. You must find me faithful advisers. You +yourself must stand at my right hand.”</p> + +<p>Then Nicholas of Reist drew a long breath, and the cloud passed away +from his face.</p> + +<p>“There are still many faithful citizens,” he said, “whom we can rally +around us, and I myself—I live only for Theos. Let me tell you this, +for it will give you confidence. It is a soldier for whom the people +are pining. They want no more merchants in high places. They shall see +you, Ughtred of Tyrnaus, in the uniform of their Guards. They shall +hear you give the word of command, they will shout you King—ay, they +will take you into their hearts, this people.”</p> + +<p>So the hands of the two met in a long, fervent clasp. Erlito embraced +his destiny, and Reist set the seal upon his renunciation.</p> + +<hr class="medium" /> + +<p>A King! As Ughtred fastened his white tie before the tiny mirror upon +his dressing-case those lines at the corner of his mouth gave way. He +suddenly burst out laughing. A King! The incongruity of the thing +tickled his sense of humour—he laughed long and heartily.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span> He looked +around him. His bedchamber was tiny, and he had only been able to +afford furniture of the cheapest description. He looked at the plain +rush carpet, the swords and foils which were almost his sole +decoration upon the walls, the humble appointments of his +dressing-table. Everything was scrupulously neat and clean, stern and +soldier-like in simplicity. What a change was before him. From here to +the royal palace of Theos, where a chamberlain would wait upon him +with bended knee, and the small etiquette of a Court would hamper his +every movement. The last few years passed in swift review before him. +He had lived always like a gentleman, but always with a certain amount +of rigid self-denial necessitated by his small income. He had few +acquaintances and fewer friends. The luxury of a West-End club had +been denied to him—fencing and long walks were almost his sole +relaxation. All that he had had to hope for was the breaking out of +some small war in any corner of the world, when his sword and military +experience might give him a chance to follow his profession. He was, +if anything, deficient in imagination, but he had humour enough and to +spare. He laughed softly as he donned his carefully-folded and +well-worn dress-coat, and reflected that this was perhaps the last +dinner which he would eat in such garments with companions of his own +choosing. It was surely a strange turn in the wheel of fortune.</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI</h2> + +<p>“I think your friend the Duke of Reist is a very interesting man,” +Sara Van Decht remarked, “but as a dinner companion he’s just a little +depressing. I wonder what father and he will find to talk about.”</p> + +<p>Ughtred laughed. They had just come out from the restaurant, to find +the great hall almost full. Reist and Mr. Van Decht were sitting a +little apart from them.</p> + +<p>“Reist is a very good fellow,” Ughtred declared, “but just now he is +not very much in the humour for gaiety. He is passionately attached to +his country, and Theos, alas, is passing through a very anxious time +in her history. No, you must not judge him by his demeanour to-night. +I had much difficulty in persuading him to accept your father’s +invitation.”</p> + +<p>She nodded sympathetically.</p> + +<p>“Has he come over to obtain aid from England?” she asked. “From the +papers this morning it seems as though one of the Powers would have to +interfere and straighten things out.”</p> + +<p>Ughtred looked down with grave, steadfast eyes into the girl’s +upturned face. It was time for him to tell her. How ridiculous it +would sound. She would probably laugh at him.</p> + +<p>“Reist came to England,” he said, “to find me.”</p> + +<p>She looked at him in mild wonder.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span></p><p>“You! But you are no longer interested in Theos, are you?”</p> + +<p>He sighed.</p> + +<p>“I have been an exile for many years,” he said, “and Theos has come to +mean little else to me save a beautiful memory. Yet I have never +forgotten that she is my native country. I am never likely to forget +it.”</p> + +<p>“Do you hope ever to return?” she asked.</p> + +<p>“I hope to be in Theos within a week,” he answered. “I am returning +with Reist.”</p> + +<p>She looked up at him startled, but deeply interested.</p> + +<p>“You mean it?” she cried. “Oh, tell me!”</p> + +<p>“You have read of the downfall of the Republic,” he continued. “Reist +assures me that the people will never tolerate another. They speak +already of a King, and, Miss Van Decht—you must not laugh, please—I +am the only surviving member of the royal family of Theos.”</p> + +<p>She gasped.</p> + +<p>“You are to be King!” she exclaimed.</p> + +<p>“The people have sent for me,” he answered, simply. “Of course there +are difficulties, and after all it may not come to pass. Still, the +crown is mine by right, and I am going to strike a blow for it. We +leave for Theos to-morrow.”</p> + +<p>“A King! To-morrow!” she repeated, vaguely.</p> + +<p>She was bereft of words. Ughtred laughed nervously.</p> + +<p>“Miss Van Decht,” he said, “it isn’t altogether a prospect of +fairyland. There are many things to be given up. There are many things +which a man may possess but a King can only covet. I have become +somewhat of a Bohemian in my wanderings, and my <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span>freedom is very dear +to me. Yet I think that I am doing right in making this attempt. I +love Theos, and it will be a joy to fight her battles. I love the old +city and the mountains and the wild country. I may not be a patriot +like Nicholas of Reist, but the old war music seems to leap and burn +in my blood when I think of the Turks creeping nearer and nearer to +the frontier, and our ancient city full of foreign spies, gathered +together like carrion birds before the massacre. It is intolerable!”</p> + +<p>She was thoughtful and sympathetic.</p> + +<p>“Yes,” she said, softly; “it is right that you should feel like that. +Ours is a new country, and there is nothing about her beautiful or +historic. Yet, if she were in danger—oh, yes, I understand. You are +right to go. May you be successful!”</p> + +<p>A crash of martial music from the band filled the air with ringing +melody, and for a moment they sat silent. Ughtred took up his as yet +unlit cigarette, and Sara sipped her coffee. Around them were little +groups of men and brilliantly-dressed women. The pleasant hum of +conversation and light laughter came to them with something of an +inspiring ring. Down the broad promenade two men were walking. Sara +touched her companion on the arm with her fan.</p> + +<p>“Look!” she whispered.</p> + +<p>Ughtred recognized Hassen with a frown, and his companion with a +sudden thrill of interest. They were coming slowly down from the +restaurant, talking earnestly together, and by the side of the tall, +distinguished-looking man, who was listening to him <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span>with so +inscrutable a countenance, Hassen appeared almost insignificant. +Nicholas of Reist, who had moved from his chair to fetch an evening +paper, met them face to face. He would have passed on with a +contemptuous glance at Hassen, but that the older man turned and +accosted him with grave yet pleasant courtesy.</p> + +<p>“The Duke of Reist is far from home! This is indeed a surprising +meeting.”</p> + +<p>Reist started as he recognized the speaker. He cast a single +lightning-like glance at Hassen, who lingered by.</p> + +<p>“It is as welcome as surprising,” Reist answered, quietly. “I had +promised myself the pleasure of paying my respects at the Embassy +to-morrow.”</p> + +<p>“You will not, I trust, let anything interfere with so amiable an +intention,” was the suave reply. “You and I should have much to say to +each other, Reist. You have a vacant chair here, I see. Will you allow +me to take my coffee with you?”</p> + +<p>“I shall be much honoured,” Reist answered, quietly. “As you say, +there is much which we might discuss. Will you permit me to introduce +you to my friends?”</p> + +<p>The faintest indication of surprise was followed by a murmur of +delighted assent. Hassen, perplexed and white with anger, moved away. +The two men threaded the little maze of chairs and palm trees and +women’s skirts, and reached the corner where Sara and Ughtred sat. +Reist gravely performed the introduction.</p> + +<p>“Miss Van Decht, will you allow me to present to you the Prince Alexis +of Ollendirk, Miss Van Decht—Mr. Van Decht. Ughtred, I am sure you +two should <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span>know one another. Prince Alexis of Ollendirk, Ughtred of +Tyrnaus.”</p> + +<p>The Prince, who had bowed low and gracefully to Sara, held out his +hand frankly to Ughtred.</p> + +<p>“To number Tyrnaus amongst one’s acquaintances,” he said, “has been an +honour for centuries. I knew your father, Prince Ughtred. His Majesty +was always very good to me. The Gold Star of Theos is amongst the most +treasured of my possessions.”</p> + +<p>More coffee was ordered by Mr. Van Decht, and cigarettes. A measured +and somewhat curious conversation followed. The Russian Ambassador +talked to Sara chiefly. Ughtred seemed to interest him only as a +pleasantly-met acquaintance. They exchanged views on Paris and Vienna, +and Prince Alexis pleaded eloquently for the charms of his own city. +With consummate skill he led the conversation to Theos.</p> + +<p>“The most picturesque country in Europe,” he declared, “to-day I fear +the most unfortunate. You see, Mr. Van Decht,” he continued, turning +towards him, “it is not always that a great country can exist and be +developed upon democratic principles. Theos, under the royal House of +Tyrnaus, had at least a recognized place amongst the European States. +To-day she has lost it. Of her future—no man can speak with +certainty.”</p> + +<p>The Russian leaned back and lit a cigarette. Yet Reist felt that he +was being watched by those half-closed, sleepy eyes. He leaned a +little forward and lowered his voice.</p> + +<p>“I am a man of Theos, bred and born,” he said, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span>slowly, “and the +future of my country is as my own future. I am not in this bastard +government, as you doubtless know, Prince Alexis, but I have the +confidence of the people. They have come to me for counsel, they have +asked me how best they can secure their continued independence. It is +a great emergency this, and since we have met here I am venturing to +ask for your advice. You have a precise knowledge of the situation, +you know the country, the people, our environment. How best do you +think that I could answer them?”</p> + +<p>The Russian smoked thoughtfully for a moment. In the little clouds of +blue smoke which hung about his head he seemed to be seeking for +inspiration. Was this simplicity, he wondered, or had Reist indeed a +hidden purpose in seeking to make him declare himself?</p> + +<p>“It is not an easy question which you ask, my friend,” he answered at +last. “Yet, after all, I doubt whether more than one course is open to +those who would direct the destinies of your country. Theos is a weak +State hemmed in by powerful ones. She is to-day the certain prey of +whomever might stretch out his hand—even her ancient enemy the Turk. +So, after all, it is not difficult to offer you good advice. I would +say to you this: Let her seek out the strongest, the most generous of +those environing Powers, and say to her frankly, ‘Give me your +protection’ and I believe that for the sake of peace her prayer would +be promptly answered.”</p> + +<p>Reist was silent. Ughtred, who had been listening intently, +interposed.</p> + +<p>“The advice,” he said, “sounds well, but it seems to <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span>me to have one +weak point. It is her independence which Theos seeks above all things +to retain. The protection of any one Power must surely jeopardize +this.”</p> + +<p>“By no means,” Prince Alexis answered, blandly. “Let us take my own +country for example. Russia is great enough and generous enough to +befriend a weakened state without any question of a <i>quid pro quo</i>. A +love of peace is the one great passion which sways my master in all +his dealings. For the sake of it he would do more even than this.”</p> + +<p>“The Czar does not stand alone,” Reist remarked, thoughtfully. “He has +many advisers.”</p> + +<p>“To whom he listens,” Prince Alexis answered, “when it pleases him. It +is said in this country, yes, and in others, that the Czar is a +puppet. We who know only smile. For, my dear Reist, it is true that +there has not reigned in Europe for many years a greater autocrat than +he who sits on the throne of Russia to-day. But to return to the +subject of Theos. Your danger seems to me to lie here. Supposing that +the present state of disquiet continues, or any form of government be +set up which does not seem to promise permanent stability. Then it is +very likely that those stronger countries by whom Theos is surrounded +may, in the general interests of peace, deem it their duty to +interfere.”</p> + +<p>“Theos,” Reist said, proudly, “is not yet a moribund State. She has an +army, and at the first hint of invasion all political differences +would cease.”</p> + +<p>Prince Alexis smiled, and raised his tiny glass of liqueur.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span></p><p>“Floreat Theos!” he said, lightly. “Long may she continue to retain +her independence—and to know her friends.”</p> + +<p>They all raised their glasses. From Reist came a whisper, little more +than a breath—</p> + +<p>“Long live the King!”</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII"></a>CHAPTER VII</h2> + +<p>Prince Alexis made the toast the signal for his departure, murmuring +something about a diplomatic reception which his duty forbade him to +ignore. In the lobby Hassen brushed up against him.</p> + +<p>“A word with your Highness outside,” he murmured.</p> + +<p>The Ambassador signified assent by a scarcely-noticeable gesture. He +lit a cigarette and leisurely buttoned his fur coat. A swift glance +towards the little party in the corner showed him that Reist was +missing.</p> + +<p>“You had better slip into my carriage quietly,” he said to Hassen. +“Our good friend the Duke of Reist is on the lookout somewhere, and it +would be better that he did not see us together.”</p> + +<p>Hassen nodded, and preceded the Ambassador, who lingered to speak to +some acquaintance. In a few moments he followed, pausing with his foot +upon the carriage steps as though to re-light his cigarette. He looked +quickly up and down the pavement. At the corner of Pall Mall and the +Haymarket a man was standing with his face half turned in their +direction. He shrugged his shoulders and entered the carriage.</p> + +<p>“The Duke of Reist is interested,” he remarked to Hassen. “Come, my +friend, what have you to say?”</p> + +<p>“First of all, then,” Hassen began, “your bribe to <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span>Metzger was large, +but you will never get your money’s worth. You have worked hard for +the political disruption of Theos. It may chance that you have failed +utterly.”</p> + +<p>The Ambassador nodded pleasantly.</p> + +<p>“Possibly,” he admitted. “I do not quite follow you, though. Metzger +has been chased from the country. There is no government, no law, no +order. The Powers cannot permit this to continue. A protectorship will +be proposed within a week.”</p> + +<p>“It will be four days too late,” Hassen answered. “In less time than +that Theos will occupy a stronger position politically than ever +before.”</p> + +<p>“You surprise me,” the Ambassador admitted, politely.</p> + +<p>“Do you think that the Duke of Reist is the sort of man to be dining +at London restaurants whilst his country bleeds to death!” Hassen +exclaimed. “Bah! His presence here with Ughtred of Tyrnaus to-night is +no chance affair. There is a deep scheme on, and broadly I have +fathomed it.”</p> + +<p>“Yes?”</p> + +<p>“Theos has had enough of Republics. She is going to try a King. It is +Reist himself who put the idea into their heads. He has come as the +envoy of the people to Ughtred of Tyrnaus.”</p> + +<p>“That,” the Ambassador remarked, “will not do at all.”</p> + +<p>“You think so, knowing nothing of Ughtred of Tyrnaus. I know him well, +and if you wish Theos to become a Russian province he is the very man +in <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span>Europe to baulk you. He is brave, shrewd, patriotic, and a fine +soldier. If he ever reaches Theos the people will worship him. He will +make order out of chaos. He will hold the reins and he will be proof +against the wiles of your agents. Short of absolute force you will not +be able to dislodge him.”</p> + +<p>“He must not reach Theos,” the Ambassador said, thoughtfully. “The +man’s very physique will win him the throne ... and I believe that you +are right. The House of Tyrnaus has never been friendly towards +Russia. What will your master say, Hassen?”</p> + +<p>The man smiled grimly.</p> + +<p>“Do we want a soldier King in Theos?” he asked, “when our soldiers are +creeping northwards to the Balkans day by day? You are ready to seize +by intrigue and by stealth—we are preparing to strike a blow of +another sort.”</p> + +<p>The Ambassador smiled. The Turkish soldiers were brave enough, but in +Constantinople at that moment was a Russian envoy on secret business, +who had very definite instructions as to the occupation of Theos. It +is possible, however, that Prince Alexis had forgotten the fact, for +he did not mention it.</p> + +<p>“At least,” he said, “one thing is clear. Ughtred of Tyrnaus must be +delayed.”</p> + +<p>Hassen shrugged his shoulders. The gesture was expressive.</p> + +<p>“It will be worth—say five thousand pounds to you,” the Ambassador +remarked, carelessly, “to make sure of it.”</p> + +<p>Hassen nodded and stepped out of the carriage. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span>They had drawn up +before one of the embassies, and his arrival with Prince Alexis was +not a thing to be advertised.</p> + +<p>“I shall do my best,” he said, slipping away in the crowd.</p> + +<hr class="medium" /> + +<p>“Why, yes, I shall miss you. Isn’t that natural?”</p> + +<p>“I hope so,” he answered. “I shall never forget these days.” She +laughed gaily. The music was playing something very soft and low. +Reist had not yet reappeared.</p> + +<p>“Isn’t that a little rash, my friend? You love experiences, and you +are going to enter upon a very wonderful life. You are much to be +envied.”</p> + +<p>“Sara,” he said, “you must come to Theos.”</p> + +<p>She laughed outright in frank and unrestrained merriment.</p> + +<p>“You must talk to father,” she said. “I dare say he will come. He +loves new countries. Only I’m sure he won’t behave properly at Court. +He’s a terrible democrat, and he likes to shake hands with everybody.”</p> + +<p>“He shall shake hands with me as often as he likes,” Ughtred said. +“You must remember, Sara, that royalty in Theos is not exactly like +royalty in this country. Why, my whole domain is not so large as some +English counties. I mean to go about my kingdom exactly like a private +individual. Come to Theos, and we will play racquets in the throne +room.”</p> + +<p>She shook her head.</p> + +<p>“The smaller the kingdom, as a rule,” she said, “the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span>more +circumstance and etiquette surround the Court. I do not think that you +will be allowed to play racquets in the throne room, or to shake hands +very often with a Chicago stock-jobber, even though he is my father. +We shall come and gaze upon you from afar.”</p> + +<p>“So long as you will come,” he replied, confidently, “we will see +about the rest. Do you know, Sara, it would almost spoil everything if +I felt that this change in my life were to disturb—our friendship.”</p> + +<p>She drew a long palm leaf through her fingers and let it fall +regretfully. It was cool and pleasant to the touch. A violin, hidden +somewhere amongst the waving green, sent strange notes of melody out +through the court, and a little man, bravely dressed in scarlet and +yellow, bobbed up and down over his instrument. The girl was +thinking—wondering! It was so sudden a change, this. Ughtred Erlito +had been a delightful friend—but Ughtred of Tyrnaus! It was so +strange a transition. She kept her eyes fixed upon the marble floor, +and her heart beat for a moment or two to the sad music of the wailing +violin. Then she sprang to her feet—the folly had passed. With one +sudden movement one of the little ornaments hanging from her bracelet +became detached and rolled away. Ughtred recovered it, and would have +fastened it upon the gold wire, but she stopped him.</p> + +<p>“It is my four-leaved clover,” she said. “See, I shall give it to you. +May it bring you good fortune. Floreat Theos!”</p> + +<p>He held it in his palm—a dainty ornament set with diamonds and +quaintly shaped.</p> + +<p>“Do you mean it?” he asked.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span></p><p>“Why, of course,” she answered. “If it is not exactly a coronation +present, it will at least help to remind you—of the days before you +were a King.”</p> + +<p>“I need no trinkets to remind me of some things,” he answered, +quietly, “but Theos will give me nothing which I shall prize more than +this. I shall keep it, too, as a pledge of your promise. You will come +to Theos?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, I will come,” she answered.</p> + +<p>Nicholas of Reist was by their side, dark, almost saturnine in his +black evening clothes and tie. His presence had a chilling effect upon +them both. Sara rose to her feet.</p> + +<p>“Will you see if you can find father?” she said to Ughtred. “He was +talking to some Americans who went into the restaurant.”</p> + +<p>He moved away. She turned quickly to Reist.</p> + +<p>“I wanted to ask you,” she said. “You live in Theos, and you can give +me an idea. What is there that I can send Prince Ughtred for a +coronation present?”</p> + +<p>“That is a very difficult question to answer,” Reist said. “Will you +not be a little more explicit? A steam yacht would be a present, so +would a cigarette-case.”</p> + +<p>She nodded quickly.</p> + +<p>“Yes! I should have explained. Money is of no consequence at all. I +had thought of a team of horses and a coach.”</p> + +<p>He was suddenly serious. He eyed the girl with a new curiosity. She +then was one of the daughters of <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span>this new world before whose golden +key every Court in Europe had yielded. She was of striking appearance, +perhaps beautiful, instinctively well bred. She might be destined to +play a part in the affairs of Theos.</p> + +<p>“‘Money is of no consequence at all,’” he repeated, thoughtfully. “We +are poor folk in Theos, Miss Van Decht, and we do not often hear such +words.”</p> + +<p>“Sometimes I think,” she said, “that our wealth is our misfortune. Now +you understand, don’t you? Prince Ughtred was very kind to us at Cairo +and on the voyage back, and we have seen quite a little of him in +London. I should like to give him something really useful. Please +suggest something.”</p> + +<p>“I will take you at your word then, Miss Van Decht,” he answered. +“Send him a Maxim-Nordenfeld gun. If you want to be magnificent, send +him a battery.”</p> + +<p>She looked at him in amazement.</p> + +<p>“Do you mean it?” she exclaimed.</p> + +<p>“I do,” he answered. “Prince Ughtred is a very keen soldier, and he is +never tired of praising these guns. For the first year or two at the +least we shall have troublous times, and a battery of maxims might +save all our lives and the throne. Theos has, alas, no money to spend +in artillery, though her soldiers are as brave as any in the world.”</p> + +<p>“Father and I will see about it to-morrow,” she declared. “Hush! here +they come.”</p> + +<p>Ughtred was approaching with her father, and watching him it occurred +to her for the first time how well his new part in life would become +him. He was tall and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span>broad, and he moved with the free, easy dignity +of a soldier accustomed to command.</p> + +<p>“I have found your father,” he said, “and your carriage is waiting. I +thought that if Reist would excuse me for half-an-hour——”</p> + +<p>Reist interrupted him at once.</p> + +<p>“You must not go away,” he declared, earnestly. “Not for five minutes. +Believe me it is necessary.”</p> + +<p>“My dear fellow——” Ughtred protested.</p> + +<p>“Is it possible,” Reist exclaimed, with some impatience, “that you do +not recognize the great misfortune of this evening? I was wrong to +allow you to come—to be seen in London with you. Prince Alexis is +more than an ordinary ambassador. He is a born diplomatist, a true +Russian—he is one of the clique who to-day rule the country. With +Hassen’s aid he has, without a doubt, surmised the purport of my visit +to you. By this time he is hard at work. Let me tell you that if he +can prevent it you will never set foot in Theos. There must be no more +delay. Come!”</p> + +<p>Sarah held out her hand. Her eyes met his frankly.</p> + +<p>“The Duke of Reist must be obeyed,” she said. “I am sure that he is +right. Good-bye, Prince Ughtred! You are very fortunate, for you have +a great and noble work before you. May you succeed in it. I shall hope +and pray for your success.”</p> + +<p>A little abruptly she turned away and took her father’s arm. The two +men watched them disappear—the little grey-headed man with his +ill-cut clothes, and hard, shrewd face, and the tall, graceful girl, +whose toilette was irreproachable, and whose carriage and bearing +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span>moved even Reist to admiration. They passed down the carpeted way and +through the swing-doors. Then Reist touched his companion on the arm.</p> + +<p>“It is half-past eleven,” he said. “We are going to catch the twelve +o’clock train from Charing Cross.”</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII</h2> + +<p>The whistle sounded at last, the train began to glide slowly away from +the almost deserted platform. But at the last moment a man came +running through the booking-office, and made for one of the +compartments. He tugged at the handle, wrenched it open, and was +preparing for a flying leap when an inspector seized him. There was an +altercation, a violent struggle—the man was left upon the platform. +Reist drew a long breath of relief as he settled down in his corner.</p> + +<p>“The way these things are managed in England,” he said, “it is +excellent.”</p> + +<p>Ughtred shrugged his shoulders. Reist had been dumb for the last +half-hour, and he was puzzled.</p> + +<p>“Will you tell me now,” he asked, “the meaning of it all?”</p> + +<p>“The meaning of it all is—Hassen!” Reist answered. “How long have you +known him?”</p> + +<p>“We fought together in Abyssinia,” Ughtred answered, “and I found him +always a capital soldier and a pleasant companion.”</p> + +<p>“Did you ever ask him where he learnt his soldiering?”</p> + +<p>“Once—yes!”</p> + +<p>“Did he tell you?”</p> + +<p>“I do not think that he did. He told me frankly enough that he had no +past—that it was not to be referred <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span>to. There were others like that +in the campaign, men who had secrets to bury, men who sought +forgetfulness, even that forgetfulness which a bullet brings. We were +a strange company enough. But the fighting was good.”</p> + +<p>“And since then you have met him again in England?”</p> + +<p>“I met him at a little fencing-academy six months ago, and since then +we have fenced together continually. But for your recognition of him I +should have written him down as harmless.”</p> + +<p>A spot of colour burned in Reist’s cheek. He ground his heel into the +mat.</p> + +<p>“Harmless! He! A Turk! A Russian spy! A double-dealing rogue. Sword in +hand I have chased him through the Kurdistan valley all one night, and +if I had caught him then Russia would have lost a tool and the Sultan +a traitorous soldier. He holds still, although an absentee, a high +command in the Turkish army, and all the while he is in the pay of +Russia. Prince Alexis knows of my mission to you by now, and if we +reach Theos we are lucky, for I do not think that a Tyrnaus upon the +throne of Theos would suit Russia at all.”</p> + +<p>“I may seem stupid,” Ughtred said, seriously, “but it is necessary +that I should understand these things. Why should Russia object so +much to my reinstatement upon the throne of my fathers? Surely of all +the nations of Europe one would expect from her the least sympathy +with a democratic form of government.”</p> + +<p>“Russia is above all sympathies or antipathies,” Reist answered, +bitterly. “She is the most self-centred, the most absolutely selfish +nation on earth. The present <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span>state of turmoil in Theos is owing +largely to the efforts of Muscovite secret agents. Russia desires a +weak Theos. She wants to stand behind the government and pull the +strings. It is she whom we have most to fear now.”</p> + +<p>Ughtred lit a cigar and leaned back in his corner. He was still in his +evening clothes, and he looked doubtfully at the window-panes +streaming with rain.</p> + +<p>“Neither Russia nor her agents can interfere with us on neutral soil,” +he remarked. “I wish, Reist, that you had let me send for my bag. I +shall be a very dilapidated object by the time we reach the frontier.”</p> + +<p>“My wardrobe,” Reist answered, “is at your service immediately we are +upon the boat. I am smaller than you, but I have some things which may +be useful. Now I will tell you something which will help to explain my +haste. When first I saw Hassen and Prince Alexis together I understood +that we must change our plans, and I sent for your bag. Your rooms +were then being watched front and back. My servant bribed a postman to +go to your door and ask for you. He discovered that a gentleman was +already in your rooms waiting for you. They are very much in earnest, +these people, my Prince. It will need all our wit to reach Theos.”</p> + +<p>“We will reach it, though,” Ughtred said, softly. “We are on our +guard, and there can be no means of forcibly detaining us. In a +quarter of an hour we shall be at Dover.”</p> + +<p>Reist nodded. He was examining the chambers of a revolver which he had +drawn from the pocket of a loose ulster.</p> + +<p>“Let us remember,” he said, “to avoid all strangers <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span>and to speak to +no one unless compelled. We know nothing of Theos. We are returning to +Budapesth, and, Prince Ughtred, there is a revolver in the pocket of +your coat also, not for use but for show. We must not be led into a +disturbance with any one. Mind, it is the policy of every one to +detain us if once the object of our journey is known. In Germany we +shall not be safe, in Austria every moment will be perilous. But once +across the frontier nothing will avail. I had news from Theos this +morning. The people are on fire for your coming.”</p> + +<p>The train slackened speed. The lights of Dover flashed out on either +side. They drew up at the town station and waited there for some +minutes. Reist let down the window and addressed a porter.</p> + +<p>“Why do we not go on to the harbour?” he asked. “We are already late.”</p> + +<p>“There is a special coming in just behind you, sir,” the man answered. +“We shall send you both along together.”</p> + +<p>Reist thanked him and turned to Ughtred with a little laugh.</p> + +<p>“So we are to have a travelling companion,” he remarked, dryly. “Our +friends are not to be caught asleep. We must watch for the occupant of +this special train. We shall know then against whom we have to be upon +our guard.”</p> + +<p>They moved slowly on again. Behind them was an engine and a single +carriage. Reist let down both windows, and a fresh salt wind blew in +upon their faces. In a few moments they were at the landing-stage.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span></p><p>Reist leaped lightly out, and Ughtred followed him. Opposite was the +gangway leading to the steamer, through which a little crowd of +passengers were already elbowing their way. They lingered on its +outskirts and watched the single carriage drawn by the second engine. +It drew up within a few feet of them, and a tall, fair young man +handed out his portmanteau to one of the porters and leisurely +descended on to the platform. Ughtred recognized him with a little +exclamation of surprise.</p> + +<p>“Why, it’s Brand!”</p> + +<p>He would have moved forward but for Reist’s restraining arm.</p> + +<p>“Wait! Who is he?”</p> + +<p>“A newspaper man,” Ughtred answered. “An honest fellow and a friend. I +will answer for him.”</p> + +<p>“He was at your rooms with Hassen,” Reist said, quickly. “I would +trust no one whom I had seen with that man. Let him pass. We will +follow him on board.”</p> + +<p>But it was too late. Brand possessed the quick, searching gaze of a +journalist, and already, with a little start of surprise, he had +recognized them.</p> + +<p>“Erlito,” he exclaimed. “What luck!”</p> + +<p>Erlito shook hands with him, laughing. They turned towards the boat +together.</p> + +<p>“Have you become a millionaire, my friend,” he asked, “that you must +travel in special trains?”</p> + +<p>Brand shook his head.</p> + +<p>“Personally,” he remarked, “I am in my usual lamentable state of +impecuniosity. Nevertheless, for the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span>moment I am representing wealth +illimitable. That is to say, I am in harness again.”</p> + +<p>Reist looked askance at them both. He did not understand. Ughtred was +suddenly grave.</p> + +<p>“I must ask you where you are going,” he said. “There is no rumour of +war, is there?”</p> + +<p>Brand hesitated.</p> + +<p>“Speaking broadly,” he answered, “I have no right to tell you. But the +circumstances of our meeting are peculiar. To tell you the truth, I am +bound for Theos.”</p> + +<p>Reist’s face was dark with anger—Ughtred’s blank with amazement. +Brand hastened to explain.</p> + +<p>“The Duke of Reist,” he said, “probably does not understand my +position. I am a special correspondent to the <i>Daily Courier</i>. They +send me at a moment’s notice to any place where interesting events are +likely to happen. Our chief has been studying the aspect of things in +Theos, and half-an-hour ago I had my route. It was the same, Erlito, +when I travelled with you to Abyssinia!”</p> + +<p>Ughtred nodded thoughtfully.</p> + +<p>“That is true,” he remarked. “Reist, I am sure that we can trust Mr. +Brand. He is not in league with any of those who would hinder us upon +our journey.”</p> + +<p>“That may be so,” Reist answered, “but he knows too much for our +safety. There must be an understanding between us. A single paragraph +in his newspaper to-morrow as to our journey, and we shall have as +much chance of reaching the moon as Theos.”</p> + +<p>Brand, who was writing upon a telegraph-form, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span>paused at once. They +were on the side of the steamer, remote from the bustle of departure, +and almost alone.</p> + +<p>“There is likely to be trouble, then, on the frontier, or before?” he +inquired. “You have opponents?”</p> + +<p>“So much so,” Reist answered, fiercely, “that if we were in Theos now, +and you talked of filling the newspapers with idle gossip of us and +our affairs, we should not stop to argue the matter with you.”</p> + +<p>Brand laughed softly.</p> + +<p>“I don’t want to do you any harm,” he said. “We must compromise +matters.”</p> + +<p>Reist misunderstood him.</p> + +<p>“An affair of money,” he exclaimed. “I understand. We will give your +paper one, two hundred pounds, to make no mention of Theos for a +week.”</p> + +<p>Brand glanced at Ughtred with twinkling eyes.</p> + +<p>“The special train which brought me here cost more than that, I am +afraid,” he said. “Believe me, Duke, it is not a matter of money at +all. The proprietors of my paper are millionaires. What they want is +information. When I spoke of a compromise I meant something entirely +different.”</p> + +<p>“Perhaps you had better explain exactly what you mean,” Reist said, +curtly. “I do not understand this Western journalism. It is new to +me.”</p> + +<p>Brand nodded.</p> + +<p>“Good!” he said. “You want to keep this journey secret until you are +safe in Theos. Very well, I will send no message to my people until +you give me leave. Only you must supply me then with exclusive +information. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span>And you must see that I am the first to cable it from +your country.”</p> + +<p>“That is an agreement,” Reist answered, solemnly. “If you will keep to +that I am satisfied.”</p> + +<p>They were already in the Channel. A wave broke over the bows of the +vessel, drenching them with spray. Brand led the way down-stairs.</p> + +<p>“Since we are to be fellow-passengers,” he said, “let us drink to our +prosperous journey—and Theos.”</p> + +<p>Reist touched Ughtred’s arm upon the stairs.</p> + +<p>“He is to be trusted, this friend of yours?” he whispered, anxiously.</p> + +<p>“Implicitly,” Ughtred answered, with emphasis.</p> + +<p>“Then we are very fortunate,” Reist said, “for it is such a man as +this whom we wanted.”</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX"></a>CHAPTER IX</h2> + +<p>“Monsieur will pardon me!”</p> + +<p>Ughtred glanced up, startled. For an hour or more he had been watching +with fascinated eyes the great rolling pine forests through which the +train was rushing. Brand and Reist were in the restaurant-car—Ughtred +was rapidly becoming too excited to eat. They had entered upon the +last stage of their journey. Somewhere away beyond that dim line of +mountains was Theos. So far they had been neither accosted nor +watched. This was the first stranger who had addressed a word to +either of them.</p> + +<p>“You wished for a seat here?” Ughtred asked.</p> + +<p>The priest, who had come through from the dining-car, held between his +fingers an unlit cigar. His fat, good-humoured face was a little +flushed. He had the appearance of a man who has found his dinner a +satisfactory meal.</p> + +<p>“It is your <i>coupé</i>, I understand, monsieur,” he answered, “but the +smoking-car is full. I wondered if monsieur would permit me to occupy +his friend’s seat until he returns. One misses a smoke so much.”</p> + +<p>He looked longingly at the cigar. Ughtred rose and cleared off the +rugs and papers which were spread over the vacant seats.</p> + +<p>“My friends, I am sure, will have no objection,” he declared. “I think +that there is room for all of us.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span></p><p>The priest was volubly thankful. He lit his cigar and puffed at it +with obvious pleasure.</p> + +<p>“Monsieur is doubtless a great traveller,” he remarked, urbanely. “For +me a journey such as this is an event—a wonderful event. Not once in +many years do I leave my people. Monsieur will be amused, but it is +indeed ten years since I found myself in a railway train.”</p> + +<p>Ughtred was reserved, but the priest was quite willing to bear the +brunt of the conversation so long as he had a listener. It appeared +that he was on his way to visit his brother, who was a prosperous +merchant in Belgrade. And monsieur?—if he were not too +inquisitive—should he have the pleasure of his company all the way?</p> + +<p>Ughtred hesitated for the fraction of a second. Reist was passing +along the corridor with imperturbable face, but with his cap in his +hand—an agreed upon sign of danger. So Ughtred, to whom a lie was as +poison, braced himself for the effort.</p> + +<p>“I go even farther than you,” he declared. “My journey is not ended at +Constantinople.”</p> + +<p>The priest’s fat face was wrinkled into smiles. It was most +fortunate—his own good fortune. For himself he was so unaccustomed to +travel that he found it impossible to read. He was excited—besides, +it gave him the headache. To converse only was possible. But after all +he had no right to inflict himself thus upon monsieur. He had perhaps +affairs to attend to—or he desired to sleep? Ughtred, who found it +impossible to suspect this fat, simple-mannered man so shabbily +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span>dressed, so wrapped in enjoyment of his bad cigar, smiled, and shook +his head. They drifted into conversation. Ughtred learned the entire +village history of Baineuill, and was made acquainted with the names +and standing of each of its inhabitants from Jean the smith to +Monsieur le Comte, who was an infidel, and whose house-parties were as +orgies of the evil one.</p> + +<p>“And monsieur,” the priest asked, ingenuously, “monsieur is perhaps a +soldier? I have talked so long of my own poor affairs. It must be +tedious.”</p> + +<p>Just then Reist and Brand passed along the corridor, laughing +heartily. Brand paused, and with a bow to the priest held out a paper +to Ughtred.</p> + +<p>“Read that, Brand!” he exclaimed. “These papers are the drollest in +the world.”</p> + +<p>Ughtred looked up puzzled, but took the paper held out insistently +towards him. At the bottom of an illustration were a few pencilled +words.</p> + +<p>“Be careful! Remember! You are W. B. The priest has been asking +questions about us!”</p> + +<p>Ughtred read, and smiled. The priest leaned forward.</p> + +<p>“It is a joke, eh? Monsieur will permit me also? It is good to laugh.”</p> + +<p>Brand was equal to the occasion. He took the paper quickly away from +Ughtred.</p> + +<p>“Monsieur,” he said, removing his cap, “the joke which I pointed out +to my friend has, without doubt, humour, but the journal, as you see, +is for the students. Monsieur will excuse me if I refrain from +offering it to him.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span></p><p>The priest acquiesced with a graver face, and some show of dignity.</p> + +<p>“But I fear, monsieur,” he said to Brand, “that I am occupying your +seat. You wish to return here, beyond a doubt?”</p> + +<p>Brand shook his head.</p> + +<p>“By no means, monsieur,” he declared. “For the present, at any rate, I +am engaged elsewhere.”</p> + +<p>They passed along the corridor. Glancing up at the priest, Ughtred was +aware of a slight change in his expression. His brows were contracted, +he was immersed in thought. The change was momentary, however. Soon he +was again chattering away—still always of his own affairs. But there +came a time when he wound up a little speech with a question.</p> + +<p>“Is it not so, Monsieur Brand—was not that how your friend called +you?”</p> + +<p>Ughtred assented.</p> + +<p>“My name is Walter Brand,” he answered.</p> + +<p>Again there came that faint change in the priest’s face.</p> + +<p>“Monsieur will not think me curious,” he said. “He is perhaps a +soldier?”</p> + +<p>Ughtred shook his head.</p> + +<p>“I have seen some fighting,” he said, “but I am not a soldier. I am a +journalist, if you know what that means—one who writes for the +newspapers. My friend whom you saw speak to me just now is a soldier +by profession.”</p> + +<p>The priest nodded pleasantly.</p> + +<p>“And he, like yourself,” he asked, “is he, too, English?”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span></p><p>Ughtred looked around, and lowered his voice.</p> + +<p>“He has been in the English army, but he is not an Englishman. He has +had a very unfortunate history. I wish that I could tell it to you, +but the time is too short, and he does not like to be talked about.”</p> + +<p>The priest’s face shone with sympathy.</p> + +<p>“Poor fellow!” he murmured.</p> + +<p>“Brand!”</p> + +<p>They both looked up. Brand himself had entered the <i>coupé</i>. There was +a slight frown upon his forehead, and his tone was curt.</p> + +<p>“I wish you would explain to the conductor about our tickets,” he +said. “He is very stupid, and I cannot make him understand.”</p> + +<p>Ughtred rose at once and left the <i>coupé</i>. Brand bowed gravely to the +priest.</p> + +<p>“I trust monsieur will excuse me,” he said, “for interrupting what I +am sure must have been a very agreeable conversation.”</p> + +<p>The slight foreign accent was beautifully done. Brand was as tall as +Ughtred, and although not so broad his carriage was good and his +natural air one of distinction. The priest smiled benignly upon him.</p> + +<p>“I fear,” he said, “that I have already wearied your friend. My life +must seem so humdrum to him, and to you, who have travelled so far and +seen so much. For I, monsieur, as I have told your friend, have lived +all my days in one quiet country place, and this journey is a great +event for me.”</p> + +<p>Brand slipped into the vacant seat. In the vestibule Ughtred met +Reist. He drew him into the smoking-compartment. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span>He was very pale, +and his voice shook with emotion.</p> + +<p>“The priest,” he said, “is a creature of Domiloff’s. You were on your +guard?”</p> + +<p>Ughtred nodded.</p> + +<p>“What a famous fellow Brand is. Up to now, at any rate, his scheme has +worked. He is personating me bravely, and really we are very much +alike.”</p> + +<p>“He will be too clever for him,” Reist said. “It is a matter of time. +Do you know that in half-an-hour we shall be at the frontier?”</p> + +<p>“So soon?” Ughtred exclaimed.</p> + +<p>“Listen! I had a message from our friends at Limburg. The train will +be searched at the barrier. There will be a determined attempt to +prevent your entering the country. Theos is in a state of hopeless +confusion. The motion to repeal your sentence of banishment is still +before the House of Laws. The Custom officers, and I am afraid the +Government officials, have been heavily bribed by Russia not to pass +you across the frontier.”</p> + +<p>A bright light flashed in Ughtred’s eyes.</p> + +<p>“So we shall see,” he muttered.</p> + +<p>“They have a plan ready for us, no doubt,” Reist continued, “and that +priest is in it. Never mind. We shall outwit them. If only your friend +Brand is equal to his part.”</p> + +<p>“The man is a born actor,” Ughtred said. “I left him playing the +Prince as I could never have done it. I do not think that Domiloff’s +man will find him out.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span></p><p>Reist pulled the window softly down and looked out. The train was +passing across a high bridge. Below, the river wound its way through a +stretch of rocky, broken country.</p> + +<p>“We are barely twenty miles from my home—the castle of Reist is to +the left of the hills there. In a few minutes the train will stop. Be +ready to follow me, and do exactly as I do.”</p> + +<p>“But we are not timed to stop until we reach Gallona!”</p> + +<p>“Never mind,” Reist answered. “This will be a stop that does not +appear upon the time-table. It is the plan of those who are working +for us in Theos, and it is good. At the village station of Moschaum +the signals will be against us, and we shall stop. Our task is to +leave the train unseen—it may be difficult, but I have bribed all the +servants, and they are preparing to see nothing. There will be horses +waiting for us—and then—then it will be a gallop for a kingdom.”</p> + +<p>“The plan seems good enough,” Ughtred said, thoughtfully, “and I am in +your hands. But what about Brand?”</p> + +<p>Reist shrugged his shoulders.</p> + +<p>“He is one of those who love adventure, and I do not think that he can +come to any harm. Let him play out his game. It was his own idea to +personate you, and the risk is his own. Ah!”</p> + +<p>There was a sudden slackening of speed. The brakes were on and the +whistle sounding. Reist strolled to the platform of the car as though +to look out, and Ughtred followed him. A conductor unfastened the gate +and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span>slipped away. The train had come to a standstill in a tiny +station, a little wooden building with a cupola, and everywhere +surrounded with a dense forest of pines. Reist looked swiftly round.</p> + +<p>“Now,” he said. “Follow me.”</p> + +<p>They slipped from the train on the side remote from the platform, and +in half-a-dozen strides had reached the impenetrable shelter of the +trees. Then there was a whistle. The train crawled onward serpent-like +with its flaring electric lights and the shower of sparks which flew +upwards from the engine. An hour later Ughtred, riding in silence and +at breakneck speed with Reist at his elbow crossed the frontier of his +kingdom.</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X"></a>CHAPTER X</h2> + +<p>“Prince Ughtred of Tyrnaus.”</p> + +<p>Brand awoke from a hideous nightmare, sat up on a rude horsehair +couch, and held his head with both hands. He was conscious of a sense +of nausea, burning temples, and a general indisposition to take any +interest in his surroundings. He sank back upon his pillow.</p> + +<p>“Oh, rot,” he murmured. “Go away, please.”</p> + +<p>There was a short silence, then footsteps, and the newcomer bent over +the sofa.</p> + +<p>“Drink this.”</p> + +<p>The invitation was alluring. Brand’s throat was like a limekiln. He +sat up and took the proffered tumbler into his hands. The liquid was +cold and sparkling—almost magical in its effects. He drained it to +the last drop, and then looked curiously about him.</p> + +<p>“Where the mischief am I?” he asked; “and who are you?”</p> + +<p>The newcomer stood in the light from the window. He was a short and +thick-set man, with iron-grey hair and black moustache slightly +upturned. He had a pallid skin and keen grey eyes. His manner was at +once grave and conciliatory.</p> + +<p>“Your memory, Prince,” he remarked, “is scarcely so good as mine. I +have had the pleasure of seeing you but once before, yet I think that +I should have recognized you anywhere.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span></p><p>“Oh, would you!” Brand remarked, beneath his breath.</p> + +<p>“I will recall myself to your memory,” the other continued, blandly. +“My name is Domiloff!”</p> + +<p>“Domiloff, of course,” Brand echoed. “You are still——”</p> + +<p>“Still the representative of Russia to the State of Theos. It is +true.”</p> + +<p>“And where am I?” Brand asked, looking around the bare, lofty room +with some surprise; “and what am I here for?”</p> + +<p>“You are in the House of Customs at Gallona. I met the train at the +frontier to secure the honour of a little conversation with you before +you proceeded to the capital. I found you exceedingly unwell, and took +the liberty of bringing you here that you might have the opportunity +of resting a little before completing your journey.”</p> + +<p>Brand rose slowly to his feet. He was still giddy, but rapidly +recovering himself. His last distinct recollection was the coffee +which he and the priest had ordered in their <i>coupé</i>. There was a +peculiar taste—a swimming in his head—afterwards blank +unconsciousness.</p> + +<p>“You have been most considerate, I am sure,” he said, slowly. “I am +glad to have your explanation, otherwise my presence here, under the +circumstances, might have suggested unpleasant things to me.”</p> + +<p>Domiloff’s lips parted in an inscrutable smile. He remained silent.</p> + +<p>“I might have remembered,” Brand continued, “that I was travelling +with two friends. What has become of them?”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span></p><p>Domiloff shrugged his shoulders.</p> + +<p>“It was most unfortunate,” he declared. “The train pulled up for a +moment at a wayside station, and they appear to have descended—and to +have been left behind.”</p> + +<p>Brand nodded.</p> + +<p>“I might also have remembered,” he continued, stroking his moustache +thoughtfully, “a priest whose interest in his fellow-passengers was a +little extraordinary—a cup of coffee pressed upon me, a queer +taste—bah! Why waste time? I was drugged, sir, with your connivance, +no doubt, and brought here. What is the meaning of it?”</p> + +<p>Domiloff shrugged his shoulders.</p> + +<p>“You assume too much, my dear Prince,” he declared, blandly. “Let us +not waste time by fruitless discussion. I will admit that I was +particularly anxious to have a few minutes’ quiet conversation with +you before you entered the capital. The opportunity is here. Let us +avail ourselves of it.”</p> + +<p>“Well?”</p> + +<p>Domiloff coughed. He had expected a torrent of indignation and abuse. +His guest’s nonchalance was a little disquieting.</p> + +<p>“You are entering,” he said, “upon a troublesome inheritance.”</p> + +<p>“Well?”</p> + +<p>“It is an inheritance,” Domiloff continued, “which you can neither +possess yourself of, nor hold, without powerful friends.”</p> + +<p>“Well?”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span></p><p>“My country is willing to be your friend.”</p> + +<p>“Your country,” Brand remarked, quietly, “is renowned throughout the +world for her generosity.”</p> + +<p>Domiloff bowed.</p> + +<p>“You do us, sir,” he said, “no more than justice.”</p> + +<p>Brand smiled.</p> + +<p>“Well! Go on!”</p> + +<p>“Theos is in a state of hopeless confusion,” Domiloff remarked. “It is +very doubtful whether the actual state of the country has been +represented to you. The people are all clamouring for they know not +what, law and order seem to be things of the past. South of the +Balkans the Turks are massing; northwards, the mailed hand of Austria +is slowly being extended.”</p> + +<p>“And Russia?” Brand asked. “It is not her custom to remain in the +background.”</p> + +<p>“Russia,” Domiloff said, “desires to be your friend. She will secure +for you the throne, and she will guarantee your independence.”</p> + +<p>“At what price?”</p> + +<p>Domiloff shrugged his shoulders.</p> + +<p>“You are very suspicious, my dear Prince,” he said. “My master does +not sell his favours. He asks only for a reasonable recognition of +your gratitude. I have here the copy of a treaty which will secure you +against any foreign interference in the affairs of your kingdom. Its +advantages to you and to Theos are so obvious that it is idle for me +to waste time by enlarging upon them. Read it, my Prince.”</p> + +<p>“I shall be charmed,” Brand exclaimed, stretching out his hand for it.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span></p><p>“You would doubtless prefer,” Domiloff said, “to look it through +alone. I will return in half-an-hour.”</p> + +<p>“You are very thoughtful,” Brand answered. “By the bye, you will +excuse my denseness, but I am not quite clear as to our exact +relations at the present moment. I am, I presume, at Gallona?”</p> + +<p>The Baron bowed.</p> + +<p>“It is indisputable!”</p> + +<p>“At an hotel?”</p> + +<p>“You are,” Domiloff declared, “my honoured guest.”</p> + +<p>“Is it part of your diplomacy to starve me?” Brand asked, coolly, “or +may I have some breakfast?”</p> + +<p>Domiloff touched the bell.</p> + +<p>“My dear Prince!” he exclaimed, deprecatingly.</p> + +<p>A servant entered with a tray—cold meats and a flask of wine. Outside +the window a sentry walked up and down. Brand eyed him thoughtfully.</p> + +<p>“I think that I should like a stroll,” he remarked. “My head is still +heavy.”</p> + +<p>Domiloff advanced, and laid his hand upon his shoulder.</p> + +<p>“My dear Prince,” he said, “I beg that for the present you will not +think of it. It is of the utmost importance that your presence upon +the soil of Theos should not be suspected. I have a special train +waiting to take you to the capital. Until we start it will be far +better, believe me, that you do not attempt to leave this room.”</p> + +<p>“At what hour do we start?” Brand asked.</p> + +<p>Domiloff hesitated.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span></p><p>“It depends,” he said, slowly, “upon circumstances.”</p> + +<p>Brand sat down and poured himself out a glass of wine.</p> + +<p>“That means when I have signed the treaty, I suppose?”</p> + +<p>Domiloff was already at the door. He affected not to hear.</p> + +<p>“If your Highness will ring when you are prepared to give me an +audience,” he said, “I shall be entirely at your service.”</p> + +<hr class="medium" /> + +<p>Brand ate and drank, threw himself into an easy-chair, and lit a +cigarette. Presently he tried the handle of the door. It was locked. +He moved to the window and looked out. Below was an old courtyard +enclosed within high grey walls and iron gates, through which he could +catch a glimpse of the town. The wide, open space, half square, half +market-place, was crowded with people in strange costume, having +baskets of fruit and vegetables, before which they squatted and called +out their wares. Beyond were houses with vivid, whitewashed fronts, +red roofs, and narrow windows. At the gates were stationed two +soldiers in red tunics and broad white trousers, very baggy, and +tucked into their boots. They were bareheaded, and they smoked long +cigarettes, chattering meanwhile to one another and the people around +in a dialect which to Brand was like a nightmare. He watched them for +a while, and laughed softly to himself. This was an adventure after +his own heart.</p> + +<p>He looked at his watch. It was three o’clock.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span></p><p>“So Reist and the Prince were left behind,” he murmured. “It was very +well arranged. By now they should be on their way to the capital. I +must make this last out as long as possible. What a coup!”</p> + +<p>He lit another cigarette, and turned the treaty over in his hands. +Here he met with a disappointment. There were two copies, one in +Russian, the other in the Thetian language. He could not read either. +After a few moments’ deliberation he rang the bell.</p> + +<p>Domiloff hurried in, expectantly.</p> + +<p>“You are ready for me?” he asked. “You have read our proposals? You +will perhaps now be disposed to admit the generosity of my master?”</p> + +<p>Brand shrugged his shoulders.</p> + +<p>“As yet,” he said, coolly, “I am in a position to admit nothing. As a +matter of fact, I cannot read this document. I cannot read Russian, +and I have forgotten nearly all Thetian. You must have a copy made for +me quickly either in French or English.”</p> + +<p>Domiloff started. A momentary shade of suspicion darkened his +forehead.</p> + +<p>“Forgotten your Thetian, Prince?” he exclaimed. “Your native tongue!”</p> + +<p>“You forget that I have been an exile from Theos ever since I was a +child,” Brand answered. “I can understand a word or so here and there, +but that is not sufficient. It is necessary that I should have an +exact and precise comprehension of your proposals.”</p> + +<p>Domiloff took up the document.</p> + +<p>“I will make a copy myself,” he said. “It will not take long. I hope +that you will soon find your recollection <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span>of the language revive, +Prince. You will find the people sensitive about it.”</p> + +<p>Domiloff seated himself at the table, and for some time there was +silence in the room except for the scratching of his pen. Brand +lounged in the easy-chair—amused himself by speculating as to the end +of his adventure. Presently there was a sharp tap at the door. A +messenger entered, and conversed for awhile with Domiloff in Russian. +He was dismissed with a few rapid orders. Domiloff turned round in his +chair and faced Brand.</p> + +<p>“Prince Ughtred,” he said, “I have disturbing news from the capital. +The disorder in the city is so great that the Powers must intervene at +once unless some decisive step be taken. I have finished my +translation. Sign it and you shall enter into your kingdom before +sunset.”</p> + +<p>Brand smiled.</p> + +<p>“I will give you my answer,” he said, “in ten minutes.”</p> + +<p>Domiloff bowed.</p> + +<p>“I shall await your decision, Prince,” he said. “Only remember this. +To-night there must be a King of Theos or a Protectorate.”</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI"></a>CHAPTER XI</h2> + +<p>The ten minutes became half-an-hour. Domiloff at last lost patience +and knocked at the door. Brand, who had just finished a shorthand copy +of the treaty, and had tucked it within the inner sole of his boot, +realized the fact that he had reached the end of his tether.</p> + +<p>“Come in,” he called out cheerfully.</p> + +<p>Domiloff entered and closed the door behind him.</p> + +<p>“I cannot understand your Highness’s indecision,” he said, +impatiently. “The document which I have had the honour to submit for +your approval is one of the most simple and straightforward which was +ever written. And while you hesitate, Prince, your kingdom passes +away. Every moment affairs in the capital draw nearer to a crisis.”</p> + +<p>Brand leaned back in his chair. He looked no longer at the manuscript. +It was evident that his decision was taken.</p> + +<p>“It seems to me,” he said, quietly, “that my kingdom passes away none +the less surely when I sign this paper. Your terms, Baron Domiloff, +amount to a Russian Protectorate. Our trade is to be yours, and yours +only. Russian is to be taught in our schools, and Russians are to +control our army and our customs. What will Theos gain in return for +this?”</p> + +<p>“Her independence will be guaranteed. Russia will be her faithful +friend!”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span></p><p>“Her independence!” Brand smiled. “Her independence will be rather a +tattered garment.”</p> + +<p>Domiloff shrugged his shoulders.</p> + +<p>“Prince,” he said, “you scarcely yet know the nature of your +inheritance. Theos is a small, weak State, hemmed in with powerful +nations. One of the Powers must needs to be her protector. Russia, +ever generous, offers herself. Without her aid you could not hold your +kingdom for an hour.”</p> + +<p>Brand sighed.</p> + +<p>“Well,” he said, slowly, “supposing I agree—will you tell me this? +How can I sign a treaty before I am King?”</p> + +<p>Domiloff touched the paper with his forefinger.</p> + +<p>“That has been provided for,” he said. “What you will sign is a +promise to ratify the treaty on your accession to the throne.”</p> + +<p>Brand shook his head.</p> + +<p>“As a private individual,” he said, “my signature is worth nothing. +Further, I decline to sign a paper which might at any future time be +brought up against me, and cost me the respect and allegiance of my +people.”</p> + +<p>Domiloff looked anxious. A moment ago the affair had seemed settled.</p> + +<p>“What do you propose, then?” he asked.</p> + +<p>“I will swear upon my honour,” Brand said, “and before witnesses if +you desire it, that I will sign the treaty whenever you require it +after my accession to the throne.”</p> + +<p>Domiloff hesitated, made up his mind to yield, and yielded gracefully.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span></p><p>“It is sufficient,” he declared. “The honour of the House of Tyrnaus +has never been questioned. But there is one more promise which I must +ask you to add. The Governor of the Customs, in whose house we now +are, has acted as a patriot and a wise man in conjunction with me.”</p> + +<p>“I understand,” Brand said, with a quiet smile. “He shall be held +harmless, so far as I am concerned.”</p> + +<p>Domiloff vanished for a moment, and reappeared followed by a +soldierly-looking young man in dark blue uniform of decidedly Russian +appearance, and an olive-skinned, black-bearded civilian, with shifty +eyes and nervous manner. They both bowed low before Brand, who drew +himself up to his full height and eyed them scornfully.</p> + +<p>“These are your witnesses, Baron?” he asked Domiloff.</p> + +<p>Domiloff assented.</p> + +<p>“Captain Barka,” he said, “who is in command of the barracks here, is +one of the most gallant and faithful officers in the army of Theos. +Mr. Omardine is Governor of the Customs, and a civic magistrate.”</p> + +<p>Brand regarded them coldly.</p> + +<p>“You are here,” he said, “to listen to these words of mine. On the +sacred honour of the House of Tyrnaus, and before the God of Theos, I +swear that whenever I may be asked after my accession to the throne of +this country, I will sign the treaty which I hold now in my right +hand. And further, I swear not to divest of his office or punish in +any way for their treachery, Captain Barka or Mr. Omardine, your two +witnesses.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span></p><p>The two men started. Omardine turned pale and glanced at Domiloff with +furtive eyes. Barka laid his hand for a moment upon the hilt of his +sword, and the deep colour dyed his cheeks. Domiloff stepped hastily +forward.</p> + +<p>“It is sufficient, your Highness,” he said; “but I must protest +against the word ‘treachery’ being used as applying to either of these +gentlemen. They have simply studied the best interests of their +country in recognizing that her destiny is identical with that of +Russia.”</p> + +<p>Brand turned his back upon them.</p> + +<p>“So far as their safety is concerned,” he said, “I have passed my +word. My opinions are my own. Will you tell me, Baron, at what time +you propose to release me?”</p> + +<p>“If your Highness will accept my escort,” Domiloff said, “I propose to +leave for the capital at once.”</p> + +<p>“The sooner the better,” Brand declared.</p> + +<p>“Then there remains only for your Highness to put on the uniform which +I have sent for,” Domiloff remarked, touching the bell.</p> + +<p>“What uniform?” asked Brand, quickly.</p> + +<p>“The uniform of a Colonel in the Guards of Theos,” Domiloff answered. +“Here it is.”</p> + +<p>A servant entered, carrying a suit of gorgeous light blue and white +uniform. Barka and Omardine respectfully withdrew.</p> + +<p>“I see no need at all for me to wear these things,” Brand exclaimed, +glancing in bewilderment at the many trappings and strange fastenings. +“I will go as I am. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span>There will be plenty of time afterwards for this +sort of thing.”</p> + +<p>“It is impossible,” Domiloff interrupted. “Your Highness seems to +forget that your throne has yet to be won. The people have had enough +of civilians. You must appear before them as a soldier, and they will +shout you King till their throats are hoarse and the water stands in +their eyes. They are a dramatic people, lovers of effect. They must be +taken by storm. I cannot offer your Highness a valet, but perhaps I +can be of assistance.”</p> + +<p>Brand yielded, but not without secret misgivings. With his clothes a +certain part of his easy confidence departed. His share in the game +was no longer to be a purely passive one. With the donning of this +uniform to which he had no manner of claim he entered the lists of +intrigues boldly, as an impostor and masquerader. Under certain +circumstances the way out might be difficult.</p> + +<p>Domiloff watched him make his toilet with a certain curiosity. It was +odd that a military man should be so much embarrassed by buckles and +straps, yet when all was completed he was bound to admit that the +result was satisfactory enough. Brand was a good-looking fellow, and +he looked the part.</p> + +<p>“Your Highness will be so good now as to follow me,” Domiloff +directed. “A carriage is waiting to take us to the station.”</p> + +<p>A guard of honour surrounded the open landau, whose military salute +Brand gravely returned. The news of his arrival had quickly spread. +The country <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span>people thronged around, shouting and cheering. The air +was rent with strange, barbaric cries. Their short drive to the +railway station was a triumphal progress. Brand alone was wholly +uncomfortable. Surely amongst all this press of people there would be +some one to whom Prince Ughtred was known. They reached the station, +however, without incident, and amidst ever-increasing enthusiasm. A +handsome saloon was drawn up to the carpeted platform, and a cordon of +soldiers kept the station clear. In less than five minutes they were +off.</p> + +<p>Brand unbuckled his sword, and threw his helmet up in the rack. Then +he made himself comfortable in an easy-chair, ostensibly to sleep, in +reality to think out the situation.</p> + +<p>“How long will it take us to reach the capital?” he asked.</p> + +<p>“Two hours,” Domiloff answered. “Sleep for a time if you like. You may +make yourself quite easy. My arrangements for your reception are +complete. You will receive a tremendous ovation. The news of your +coming has electrified the city.”</p> + +<p>Brand’s gratification at the prospect was certainly not apparent. +However, he closed his eyes, and relapsed into thought. Two hours! He +reckoned it all out. His knowledge of the geography of the country was +slight, but it seemed to him impossible that Prince Ughtred and Reist +could yet have reached the capital. So far all that he had done had +been good. The difficulty which confronted him now was to select the +proper moment for his avowal, and, having made it, to escape. He +foresaw difficulties. Domiloff was not a man to be <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span>made a fool of +lightly. His one comforting reflection was that when the explosion did +come he would be safer in Theos than in a frontier town which was +obviously under Russian influence.</p> + +<p>Slowly the train wound its way across a rocky and difficult country, a +country of mountains, woods, and rivers, valleys rich with +corn-tracts, tiny villages whose gleaming white homesteads made +picturesque many a hillside. Brand sat quite still with half-closed +eyes. Presently the door of the saloon opened, and closed again +softly. Domiloff looked in and withdrew. Then there came the sound of +voices from the next compartment. Listening intently, Bland caught a +word or two here and there.</p> + +<p>“Absolutely impossible.... I saw him in Paris after the Algerian +campaign ... thinner, that is all.... Reist and the English journalist +were simply left ... <i>planté là</i>. Hernoff planned everything.”</p> + +<p>“Mistakes.... He does not make mistakes. If I believed it I would +shoot him like a dog. You have your revolver, too. Good! Oh, yes, he +will sign! It will be a record reign. It may last a month. They will +see that he is under the thumb of Russia. No, he is fast asleep. After +Hernoff’s medicine one is sleepy for days.”</p> + +<p>The voices died away. They passed through a little wayside station gay +with flags, and the train began to descend a series of gradients. +Below was a great fruitful plain, bounded southwards by a range of +towering mountains. Far away westwards was a huge ascent <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span>to a +wide-spreading table-land. Brand sat with his eyes fixed steadily upon +it, and a queer little smile upon his lips. He was sufficiently aware +of his surroundings to know that there was the fortress capital of +Theos.</p> + +<p>He heard footsteps, and closed his eyes again. Domiloff entered the +saloon, and shook him by the arm. He awoke with a drowsy murmur.</p> + +<p>“Wake up, your Highness! We are within a few miles of the capital.”</p> + +<p>Brand sat up.</p> + +<p>“All right,” he said. “I am ready. But how my head aches.”</p> + +<p>Domiloff smiled grimly, and thrust a sheet of paper into his hand.</p> + +<p>“It will pass off,” he said. “See, this is your speech. Learn it. It +will not be wise for you to address the people in any save their own +language.”</p> + +<p>Brand took the sheet of unintelligible characters into his own hand. +He looked blankly at it.</p> + +<p>“Read it to me,” he said. “Let me hear how it sounds.”</p> + +<p>Domiloff declaimed and translated it. Brand listened thoughtfully. +Apparently the return of Ughtred of Tyrnaus to the throne of his +forefathers was solely owing to a benevolent desire on the part of +Russia to bring to Theos an era of unparalleled peace and prosperity. +Far away a gleam of white and grey towers flashed upon the hillside. +Villages became more plentiful. They were nearing the capital.</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII"></a>CHAPTER XII</h2> + +<p>Once more the men and women of Theos thronged the streets of their +time-worn capital. A thousand torches flared in the open space before +the palace. Lanterns and flags waved from all the principal houses and +public buildings. Only the great Reist mansion was silent and gloomy, +and many questioning eyes were turned towards it.</p> + +<p>“It was the Duke himself who has brought Ughtred of Tyrnaus here,” +muttered one. “Yet his house is dark and empty, and no man has seen +him.”</p> + +<p>“There is something strange about it,” said another, “and I like not +the wolf Domiloff at the shoulder of a Tyrnaus.”</p> + +<p>“Please God, the son may not be like the father!”</p> + +<p>“Let us see him,” cried another. “Come—shout!”</p> + +<p>So the air shook with the roar of voices, and servants in the blue +Tyrnaus livery came out upon the balcony of the brilliantly-lit palace +and spread a carpet. But the man whom they longed to see lingered.</p> + +<p>Domiloff argued with him in vain. He was unaccountably obstinate.</p> + +<p>“It is the Duke of Reist who should stand by my side when first I +speak to my people,” he declared, coolly. “It is he who brought me +from England, not you. He must be my sponsor. If he is not here I will +wait.”</p> + +<p>Domiloff was naturally furious. He had been at considerable <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span>pains to +insure the absence of Reist from the capital on this occasion, and his +inopportune return would amount to a disaster. On the other hand, the +populace were fast working themselves up into a state of frenzy. Let +this man show himself, and the success of his coup was assured. It was +unpardonable hesitation. He trembled with rage. In the King’s palace, +in his own chamber, he had lost for the moment his hold upon this man. +It was the one weak spot in his carefully thought-out scheme. It was +the one contingency against which he was comparatively helpless.</p> + +<p>“You are losing a golden opportunity, Prince,” he declared. “Your +hesitation is a crime. The people are on fire to see you. They will +shout you King with one voice. Give to Reist all the glory if you +will, but, if you would win your kingdom, out on to the balcony and +show yourself. Hear them!”</p> + +<p>The roar of voices sounded like thunder from the street below. Brand +smoked on stolidly.</p> + +<p>“I shall wait one hour for the Duke of Reist,” he decided. “At the end +of that time, if he has not arrived, I will reconsider the matter.”</p> + +<p>Domiloff, who did not expect the Duke of Reist in an hour, was forced +to acquiesce.</p> + +<p>“I will send messengers out amongst the people,” he said. “I will let +them know that you are worn out with travelling, but that in an hour +you will address them. Shall it be so?”</p> + +<p>“You can do as you like,” Brand answered, quietly. “I make no +promises.”</p> + +<p>Domiloff withdrew, furious. Brand was left alone. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span>He was a journalist +of the modern type, and he had been in a good many tight corners. His +nerves were of iron, his courage indomitable, and his sense of humour +prodigious. But this was getting beyond a joke. He was in a +<i>cul-de-sac</i>. Escape was scarcely to be hoped for, disclosure would +certainly cost him his life. Nevertheless, as the roar of voices +mounted again to his ears the corners of his mouth twitched and his +eyes shone with laughter. He found himself longing for pen and paper, +wondering how much of this he dare use as copy. Then the clock struck. +He became instantly grave. After all, an hour was a short time. He +concentrated his thoughts once more upon the situation.</p> + +<p>On one point he was resolved. He would not carry his personation any +further. He would not present himself to the people of Theos as an +impostor, with Domiloff for his introducer, and unable to frame a +single sentence in the language of his supposed forefathers. The +speech which Domiloff had written out for him was, of course, an +impossibility. Some time to-night the Prince and Reist must surely +arrive, and the situation then might become possible. Failing that, he +could see nothing but chaos.</p> + +<p>Half-an-hour had passed, but he was not greatly disturbed. He had a +touch of that beautiful faith which is the heritage of the born +adventurer. He was content to wait for something to turn up. He threw +away the end of his cigar and walked slowly up and down the great +vaulted room. The ceiling was of extraordinary height, and the wooden +panels which covered the walls were black with age and beautifully +carved. He paused before <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span>one of them to examine the design, and +passed his fingers lightly over the figure of a priest who knelt by +the side of a wounded man in armour. It was a rugged but wonderful +representation. Suddenly he started back as though he had been shot. +The priest was being split down the middle before his eyes.</p> + +<p>He stood rigid. Even his nerves were scarcely proof against this sort +of thing. The head of the wounded knight had parted from his body, and +the legs of the priest were every moment drawing further apart. He +approached the panel gingerly. It was not fancy. There was a long, +thin crack from the floor to the tapestry border, which stood about +six feet high. Whilst he watched, it widened. He slipped his hand into +his pocket and drew out his revolver.</p> + +<p>From one inch to two—to half a foot, and then wide open, the panel +slid back. Brand uttered a soft cry of amazement. A woman, dark, +slender, and beautiful, stood upon the threshold of what seemed to be +a passage, herself almost as motionless as a painted figure. Her eyes +met his with a challenging light, her pose was imperious. Diamonds +flashed from her neck and bosom, and her hair was coiled upon her head +coronet-like, after the manner of the women of Theos. Her black gown +was cut in a manner unknown to western dressmakers—to Brand she +seemed like a wonderful Italian picture of the middle ages stepped +bodily from its frame. He lowered his revolver, and took a quick step +backward. Then to his surprise, she spoke to him in English, +haltingly, but with perfect distinctness.</p> + +<p>“Lock the door.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span></p><p>The sound of his native language made a new man of Brand. His senses +were no longer dazed.</p> + +<p>“It is—already locked,” he answered.</p> + +<p>She took a step forward, and before he could divine her purpose sank +gently on one knee in a wonderful courtesy. He took the slim white +hand, and bowed low over it.</p> + +<p>“You are Ughtred of Tyrnaus?” she said, eagerly. “Is it not so?”</p> + +<p>He laughed quietly.</p> + +<p>“It is the first time,” he said, “that I have been asked the question. +Personation seems to come natural to me.”</p> + +<p>She looked at him intently, and the fine, dark eyebrows were drawn a +little closer together.</p> + +<p>“I am not very quick at speaking English,” she said. “You are Ughtred +of Tyrnaus?”</p> + +<p>“Well, I am supposed to be,” he admitted.</p> + +<p>“Then where is my brother?” she demanded. “Why is he not with you?”</p> + +<p>He looked at her, puzzled.</p> + +<p>“Forgive me,” he said. “I am rather stupid. What is your brother’s +name, and who are you?”</p> + +<p>Her eyes gleamed with suspicion. Was it not obvious who she was?</p> + +<p>“I am the Countess Marie of Reist,” she said. “Will you answer me +quickly?”</p> + +<p>He divined the likeness at once.</p> + +<p>“And do you live—in the wall?” he asked.</p> + +<p>She frowned imperiously.</p> + +<p>“If you indeed are Ughtred of Tyrnaus,” she said, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span>“you should know +that the Reist house adjoins the palace, and that this passage has +been in existence since the days of King Rudolph. Tell me what you +have done with my brother Nicholas, and how it happens that you have +entered the city without him, and in company with Domiloff the wolf.”</p> + +<p>He smiled. His optimism was justified. Something had turned up.</p> + +<p>“You must allow me to make a confession, Countess,” he said, easily. +“I am not Ughtred of Tyrnaus. The Prince is on his way to the city +with your brother, and, to tell you the truth, if they do not arrive +here very soon my position will become extremely uncomfortable.”</p> + +<p>She withdrew within the shelter of the panel and regarded him +haughtily.</p> + +<p>“You say that you are not Ughtred of Tyrnaus,” she exclaimed. “Then +who are you? An impostor! Yes! You are in the royal chamber, and even +now the people call for you. You are a tool of Domiloff’s. Good! The +people shall know that they are being deceived!”</p> + +<p>He was only just in time to seize her by the wrist. She wrenched +herself free with a furious little cry, but he blocked her escape.</p> + +<p>“Countess,” he said, with perfect respect, but with a gleam of +laughter in his eyes, “pray do not desert me, for I am a friend of +your brother’s, and especially of Prince Ughtred’s. I am not +masquerading for the fun of the thing, I can assure you, but solely to +outwit Domiloff. Permit me to explain, The fact is, I need your help.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span></p><p>She eyed him coldly. The touch of his fingers seemed burning still +upon her wrist.</p> + +<p>“Well?”</p> + +<p>“Three of us left England together,” Brand said. “Your brother, Prince +Ughtred, and myself—Walter Brand, a newspaper writer and a person of +no importance. I won’t stop to tell you how I became one of the party. +It isn’t of any consequence, and time is. I happen to slightly +resemble Prince Ughtred, and we got scent of a plot to stop our +entrance into Theos. Well, Prince Ughtred and I exchanged identities. +The consequences were these. The Prince and your brother left the +train secretly before we left the frontier, I was drugged, and awoke +to find myself <i>tête-à-tête</i> with a remarkably gentlemanly personage +called Domiloff.”</p> + +<p>Her eyes flashed fire. She came a little further into the room.</p> + +<p>“Ah! Well!”</p> + +<p>“He took me for granted in the kindest possible manner—waived aside +the matter of my abduction—affected to consider me as an afternoon +caller. He introduced politics in a casual sort of way. Russia I found +was the great and generous friend of Theos. Russia was pining for the +friendship of Theos.”</p> + +<p>She interrupted him with a fierce little gesture of contempt.</p> + +<p>“The hound! Russia is our enemy! It was she who sought to buy our +freedom from Metzger, the merchant, for a million pounds.”</p> + +<p>He nodded.</p> + +<p>“Exactly. However, I had to listen to him. In the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span>end he produced a +treaty—Russian protection for Theos in exchange for every shred of +independence she possessed. If I would swear before witnesses to sign +it when I became King, I might proceed, and Domiloff himself would be +my escort. If I refused—well, I think then that other things were in +store for me. After a becoming show of hesitation I promised to +sign—when I was King. Then Domiloff hustled me along here. I have +delayed things as long as possible, but it’s getting a little +uncomfortable. Domiloff can’t understand why I won’t go and speak to +the people. If I declare myself, he will shoot me on sight. What I +have been praying for is a chance to escape, or that your brother and +the Prince might turn up.”</p> + +<p>She regarded him with unfeigned admiration.</p> + +<p>“I did you an injustice,” she said. “I see that you are a very brave +man, and we in Theos love brave men.”</p> + +<p>He bowed before her so gallantly and looked into her eyes so closely +that a wave of colour flushed in her cheeks. A distant sound in the +Palace, however, brought them to a swift sense of the danger which +threatened him.</p> + +<p>“You see,” he explained, “I was bound to keep it up as long as I +could, or Domiloff would have tried to prevent your brother and the +Prince from reaching the capital. Besides, since I have read the +proposed treaty they would never allow me to escape alive.”</p> + +<p>She nodded slowly.</p> + +<p>“Yes, that is so. It would not be well that you speak first to the +people with Domiloff at your elbow, but if it comes to a matter of +life or death you must do it. I <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span>will send servants and horses to +hasten my brother’s coming, and you must continue the personation.”</p> + +<p>“There is an objection,” he replied, quickly. “I do not know a single +word of your language, and to speak for the first time to the people +in any other would do the Prince a great injury with them.”</p> + +<p>She reflected for a moment. Then her face lit up. She pointed down the +passage.</p> + +<p>“I think,” she said, “that it would be a very good time for Prince +Ughtred to disappear. You shall come with me.”</p> + +<p>Brand hesitated.</p> + +<p>“But, Countess,” he protested, “they will search your house. You will +be accused of harbouring an impostor.”</p> + +<p>She dismissed the idea with a gesture of superb contempt.</p> + +<p>“The Reist House,” she assured him, “is secure against Domiloff or any +of his creatures. I offer you its shelter, sir. I beg you to come with +me.”</p> + +<p>Still he hesitated. A fresh murmur arose from the swelling crowd +without—footsteps were heard in the corridor—the hour struck. She +laid her fingers upon his arm, and looked upward into his face.</p> + +<p>“Sir,” she said, softly, “I beg that you will come with me.”</p> + +<p>Brand felt his heart beating with more than the mere excitement of the +moment. He yielded. She pressed a spring with her finger, and the +panel rolled slowly back into its place.</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII"></a>CHAPTER XIII</h2> + +<p>Up the steep ascent to the capital two men galloped their tired horses +in stern silence. For twelve hours they had ridden with scant waste of +breath in speech. Only at each change, and seven times since break of +day, had they changed horses. Prince Ughtred had lit a fresh cigar and +asked the same question and met with the same reply.</p> + +<p>“How goes it, Nicholas?”</p> + +<p>“We keep up with the time. Forward!”</p> + +<p>As they neared the capital they rode through a stream of people +wending their way citywards. Reist drew rein.</p> + +<p>“Whither away, friends?”</p> + +<p>“To the capital, sir. Prince Ughtred of Tyrnaus, our future King, is +there. We go to greet him.”</p> + +<p>The two men exchanged quick glances as they rode on.</p> + +<p>“I do not understand it,” Reist admitted. “Our coming is unannounced. +A certain amount of secrecy was necessary. Something strange seems to +have happened.”</p> + +<p>By degrees their progress along the narrow road grew more and more +difficult. The country folk thronged the thoroughfare, gay in +picturesque holiday attire, many of them singing a strange national +air which stirred in Ughtred’s heart some faint echo of far-away +recollections. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span>He watched them eagerly, and his heart swelled with +pride. A fine, stalwart race, with the free swinging walk of +mountaineers, bright-eyed, clear-skinned, with cheeks as brown as +berries. His dormant patriotism, already awakened by his long ride +through the beautiful, dimly-familiar country, beat in his heart. He +would rule these people as his children, and though he died sword in +hand the yoke of the conqueror should never bow their shoulders. It +was a great task—a great heritage.</p> + +<p>A train, brilliant with lights, glided serpent-like over the high +viaduct to their left. A murmur arose from amongst the people.</p> + +<p>“The Prince,” they cried. “The Prince.”</p> + +<p>“What does it mean?” Ughtred asked.</p> + +<p>“God only knows,” Reist answered, bewildered.</p> + +<p>At the station a cordon of soldiers blocked the way. The two men +spurred on into the front ranks. Amongst a thunder of acclamation they +saw Domiloff and Brand in his brilliant uniform take their places in +the waiting carriage. They were speechless.</p> + +<p>“To the palace,” Reist cried at last. “Come, Ughtred; there’s some +damned underhand plotting going on.”</p> + +<p>“It was Brand!” Ughtred exclaimed. “Brand in the uniform of the Theos +Guards. Is the man mad?”</p> + +<p>“I do not think that it was Brand at all,” Reist answered, fiercely. +“It is a plot of that accursed Russian. Way, good people, way!”</p> + +<p>But the people, good-natured though they were, were wedged too thickly +to let them pass. At last in a rush <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span>they were almost unhorsed. A +direct progress to the palace was impossible. Reist turned up a side +street.</p> + +<p>“We will go to my house,” he said. “It will take us some time this +way, but we shall never succeed in reaching the palace.”</p> + +<hr class="medium" /> + +<p>The panel slid back behind them, and closed with a spring. From some +place upon the wall invisible to him the Countess took a small silver +lamp, and carefully lit it. Then holding it high over her head she +turned towards Brand.</p> + +<p>“You must follow me closely,” she said. “The way is narrow, and there +are steps. Listen!”</p> + +<p>They both stood for a moment with bated breath. In the room behind was +tumult. There were angry voices, the ringing of bells, bewildered +exclamations.</p> + +<p>“It is my friend, Domiloff,” Brand whispered. “I am afraid that he has +lost his temper. I might at least have left a note.”</p> + +<p>She motioned him to follow her.</p> + +<p>“You are quite safe,” she declared. “The secret passage has not been +used for many years. It is unknown to any within the palace. I do not +know what made me think of it to-night.”</p> + +<p>“It was,” Brand remarked, “a remarkable piece of good fortune for me. +I do not fancy that our friend Domiloff in a passion would be at all a +pleasant companion.”</p> + +<p>Her face hardened.</p> + +<p>“Domiloff,” she said, “is a traitor and a ruffian. When I saw you +alone with him and without Nicholas <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span>I knew that something must have +happened. My brother would never have suffered him to have stood by +your side to-night. This way.”</p> + +<p>They stepped into a large dimly-lit room, with high panelled walls and +a vaulted roof. The door rolled back behind them. The girl passed her +hands along the wall till even the crack was invisible. Then she moved +to the table and struck a gong.</p> + +<p>“You must need wine,” she said. “Basil!”</p> + +<p>A grey-haired old servant entered the room, and at the sight of Brand +would have fallen upon one knee, but the girl stopped him.</p> + +<p>“Basil, this is not Prince Ughtred,” she said, “but a friend of his +and ours who has been taking the Prince’s place in order that Domiloff +might be deceived. Bring us some wine.”</p> + +<p>Brand drank from the long Venetian glass, and afterwards sank +gratefully into the high-backed chair to which she motioned him. At +her request he told her everything which had happened since the coming +of Reist to London. And from below there came to them often the murmur +of the waiting crowds.</p> + +<p>She was superbly devoid of nerves. She had no manner of apprehension.</p> + +<p>“They will come,” she said, “and the people will wait. Tell me some +more of your wonderful London.”</p> + +<p>“You have never been there?” he exclaimed in astonishment.</p> + +<p>She shook her head.</p> + +<p>“No, nor in Paris even. No further west than Vienna.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span></p><p>“It is incredible,” he murmured.</p> + +<p>“And why incredible?” she asked him, with delicately upraised +eyebrows. “I do not understand. Theos is my home—those places are +nothing to me. Whilst I was in Vienna I was miserable. All was hurry +and bustle. There was so little dignity, so little repose. I do not +think that people who live in such places can understand what it is to +love one’s homeland. Everywhere, too, even amongst the aristocracy, +one met vulgar people. Shopkeepers and merchants who had made very +much money mixed freely with the nobles. They tell me that in England +it is also like this. In Theos I think that we are wiser.”</p> + +<p>She spoke simply—as one who points out a grievous impropriety. Brand +smiled.</p> + +<p>“I have heard your country spoken of as one of the most aristocratic +in the world,” he remarked. “I think that it must be true.”</p> + +<p>“From what I have seen,” she answered, “it may be so. There are very +little of the old nobility left in Theos, but we are content to let +them die out rather than to raise to their ranks those who have +enriched themselves with commerce. We believe that our way is best.”</p> + +<p>“And you yourself?” he asked. “Tell me how you occupy yourself. You +have friends—amusements?”</p> + +<p>She shrugged her shoulders ever so slightly.</p> + +<p>“My brother has large estates,” she said, “and with them come many +duties. I see that our peasant women are properly brought up, and that +they retain their skill in lace work. Then there is music, and when we +are at Castle Reist we hunt. It is true that I have not many <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span>friends +of my own order, but that is scarcely to be expected. The care of so +many of those who are dependent upon one is a very absorbing duty. We +give a dowry to every girl who marries suitably amongst our own +people. For many generations this has been a religion with us. Tell +me, then, is it not so with the maidens of your country?—I speak, of +course, of those who are of noble birth.”</p> + +<p>He shook his head.</p> + +<p>“I think not,” he answered. “You see, for them there are many +diversions. They play games, hunt, shoot, and ride with their brothers +and their brothers’ friends when they are at their estates. Then for +half the year they live in London, and every night there are dances, +concerts, theatres, and parties of all sorts.”</p> + +<p>She nodded gravely.</p> + +<p>“That is what I have heard,” she said. “They take life so much more +lightly than we who live in quieter places. Here there is born with us +the consciousness that our rank has many obligations. There is not a +peasant girl on my estates whom I do not know by name. It has been so +with the women of our house for many generations.”</p> + +<p>There was a short silence. Then she raised her eyes to his.</p> + +<p>“Your own sisters?” she asked. “Are they, too, such as you describe?”</p> + +<p>Brand smiled faintly.</p> + +<p>“I have only one sister,” he said, “and she is married. But my own +people would scarcely count—from your point of view.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span></p><p>She looked at him, faintly puzzled.</p> + +<p>“You mean,” she asked, “that you are not of noble birth?”</p> + +<p>He shook his head.</p> + +<p>“By no means! My father was a physician, and I myself write for the +newspapers!”</p> + +<p>“But you spoke of Prince Ughtred,” she remarked, “as your friend.”</p> + +<p>He smiled.</p> + +<p>“In England,” he explained, “all these things are regarded very +differently. We are a very democratic nation, and Prince Ughtred, you +must remember, is half an Englishman.”</p> + +<p>She was silent. He had an absurd fancy that she was disappointed—that +her momentary interest in him was gone. He was angry with himself for +the idea, angry with himself also for the effort which his little +speech had cost him. In England he counted himself a Radical, almost a +Socialist, and would have laughed to scorn the idea that the slightest +possible barrier could exist between men and women of unequal birth. +But out here, in the presence of this girl who spoke her mind so +simply, yet with such absolute conviction, he seemed to have come into +touch with a new order! The aristocracy which was to her as a creed +was a real and a live thing! He almost justified her in his mind. What +was surely a fallacy in England might be truth here.</p> + +<p>The silence was prolonged. Then he glanced up to find her watching him +with a slight smile curving her lips.</p> + +<p>“To you,” she said, “I must seem very old-fashioned. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span>Oh, yes, I can +understand your point of view. If I have not travelled I have at least +read, and your English books make these things clear enough. But here +we are surrounded with the old customs. It is not possible to escape +from them. We are almost mediæval.”</p> + +<p>“I am looking forward to studying your country closely,” he said. +“What I have seen of it has charmed me. So far I have come across but +one thing which I would gladly change.”</p> + +<p>“And that?” she asked.</p> + +<p>“Is the uniform of the Thetian Guards,” he answered, turning slightly +in his chair. “I must confess that my body was never made for such +gorgeousness.”</p> + +<p>She laughed and struck the gong.</p> + +<p>“Basil will show you to my brother’s room,” she said. “Wear any of his +clothes you choose.”</p> + +<p>He rose with alacrity.</p> + +<p>“You will be safe—alone?” he asked, with a doubtful glance towards +the door.</p> + +<p>She shrugged her shoulders.</p> + +<p>“Domiloff has courage, I believe, of a sort,” she answered, “but not +enough to bring him uninvited across the threshold of this house in my +brother’s absence.”</p> + +<p>He followed the servant from the room, and was shown into a bedchamber +of huge proportions. He changed his clothes as quickly as possible for +those which were tendered to him, and returned to the room where he +had left the Countess. She welcomed him with a smile which she tried +in vain to suppress.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span></p><p>“You must forgive me,” she said, as their eyes met. “Indeed, it is +hard to avoid a smile. My brother is of slight stature, and you are +very tall,—is it not so?”</p> + +<p>“Oh, I don’t mind,” he answered, good-humouredly, conscious that his +trousers terminated at the ankle, and that the seams of his unbuttoned +coat were bursting. “I should be comfortable in anything since I have +got rid of that sword and the other thing like a satchel which kept +tripping me up. The management of a woman’s train has always seemed to +me an accomplishment, but it is nothing compared with the difficulty +of walking like a soldier with those things whacking at your ankles +every few moments. One thing I can promise you and myself, Countess. +If Domiloff and the whole lot of them catch me nothing would induce me +to put on that uniform again.”</p> + +<p>“It was very becoming,” she said, smilingly.</p> + +<p>“You are making fun of me,” he declared, reproachfully.</p> + +<p>“Indeed I meant it,” she assured him. “I never doubted but that you +were Ughtred of Tyrnaus!”</p> + +<p>He felt absurdly pleased. There was a note of regret too in her tone. +Then, as though with some effort she addressed him more formally.</p> + +<p>“You need have no fear,” she said, “that Domiloff will find you here. +Neither he nor any of his creatures dare force their way into this +house. All that we must pray for now is the speedy coming of Nicholas +and the Prince.”</p> + +<p>Almost as she spoke they heard quick footsteps upon the corridor +outside. The door was thrown open.</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV"></a>CHAPTER XIV</h2> + +<p>Nicholas of Reist, closely followed by Prince Ughtred, strode into the +room. Marie uttered a little cry of joy—Brand drew a long sigh of +relief.</p> + +<p>“Nicholas, at last!” she cried.</p> + +<p>He seized her hands and drew her to him. Then he turned to Ughtred.</p> + +<p>“You will not recognize your old playmate, Prince,” he said. “Marie, +this is Prince Ughtred of Tyrnaus.”</p> + +<p>He bowed low before her, and she murmured a few words of greeting. +Then both Nicholas of Reist and Ughtred saw Brand standing underneath +the great chimneypiece.</p> + +<p>“Brand!” the former cried. “Brand! How in God’s name did you find your +way here?”</p> + +<p>Brand smiled enigmatically.</p> + +<p>“Listen,” he said, “and I will tell you.”</p> + +<p>They stood grouped around him. He told his story tersely yet fully. +When he had finished there was a moment’s breathless silence. He +pointed to the door.</p> + +<p>“You have not a moment to lose,” he exclaimed. “The people are +bewildered now, soon they will become impatient. The uniform is in the +room where I changed. Let Prince Ughtred put it on and speak to the +people from your balcony. It will turn Domiloff’s hair grey, but he is +powerless. Listen!”</p> + +<p>Once more brother and sister exchanged quick <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span>glances. Once more the +men of Theos, as with one throat, shouted for Nicholas of Reist. Marie +looked curiously towards the Prince. He was handsomer than Brand, +broader and of finer presence. Yet her eyes narrowed with something +which was akin to hate. In her heart she believed that her brother was +making a great mistake. It was a Reist this people wanted, not one of +his corrupt race.</p> + +<p>“Brand is right!” Reist decided. “Prince, my servants will show you to +my room and assist you. I will speak a few words to the people and +prepare them for your coming.”</p> + +<p>From topmost storey to basement the Reist house flashed out in sudden +light. The people, who were weary of shouting in front of the palace, +marked the change, and a sudden rush took place. It was Reist who +stood there with his hands resting lightly upon the balustrade. A roar +of welcome greeted him. Now at last this mystery would be cleared up. +Then there followed a silence so intense, so breathless, that the very +air seemed charged with the tension of it. Reist’s voice rang out like +a still, clear note, perfectly audible to all.</p> + +<p>“My country people,” he said, “not many days ago you charged me with a +mission. To-night I acquit myself of it. I bring you good news. The +illustrious soldier who has won fame fighting another country’s +battles has never for one moment forgotten his name or his native +land, has never forgotten his descent from that great race of Tyrnaus +who, generations ago, made your country one to be feared and respected +throughout Europe. He is willing to come to our aid in these evil +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span>times. He is a brave man and a just. He will rule you as a soldier +King! May the God of our ancestors bless his reign, and preserve for +everlasting the independence of Theos and the freedom of our sons!”</p> + +<p>As the last word had left Reist’s lips Ughtred of Tyrnaus in all the +bravery of his brilliant uniform passed through the great room. Marie, +who had been watching for him, shrank back at his near approach in +something like awe. For indeed it seemed as though Rudolph the Great, +whose picture frowned down upon them from the wainscotted wall, walked +once more in their midst. The unwonted excitement had given fire to +his features, seemed indeed to have added inches to his great stature. +No wonder that the people who saw him come raised their voices in a +great shout of welcome.</p> + +<p>“A Tyrnaus! A Tyrnaus! God save the King!”</p> + +<p>The band struck up the National Anthem, and from the throats of +thousands came that strange, thrilling air, the song of their liberty. +Prince Ughtred listened with tears in his eyes—and in the palace +Domiloff held his head and walked backwards and forwards in speechless +bewilderment. The last bars died away. Then Ughtred spoke to his +people, and these are some of the things which he said.</p> + +<p>“Men of Theos, that song which you have sung has followed me into many +strange countries. I have ridden into battles with it in my ears, I +have heard it amongst the roaring of the guns and in the silent +watches of the night. To me it has always sounded like very sweet +music, for it has recalled to me ever my native land.... I, too, you +must remember, am a son of <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span>Theos. For long I have been an exile, but +no other country has ever seemed like home to me. Always I have hoped +that some day my lot might bring me back to the homeland amongst the +mountains so inexpressibly dear to all of us.... I, too, though far +away, have followed ever the fortunes of Theos. I have read of her +sufferings and her misfortunes. I have blushed with shame to read of +those, who, calling themselves her sons, would have bartered away her +liberty for gold.... And now you have done away with this hateful +Republic. The House of Laws is once more convoked. The Duke of Reist +has sought me out and brought from you a wonderful message. Well, I +know little of kingcraft, but I may at least call myself a soldier. If +the House of Laws will ratify your choice, nothing in this world could +make me happier than to throw in my lot with yours, to devote my life +to preserving for you and Theos that ancient and God-given +heritage—our freedom! This little State is surrounded, it is true, by +powerful enemies. Yet God is not always with the strong. Let us be +fearless, just, and slow to give offence. Then, if we are attacked, it +must be war to the bitter end. We can at least live like men and die +heroes. My people, if it comes to pass that I am chosen to be your +King, I can promise you this. While I live, and whilst a single one of +you will stand by my side, we will remain a free and independent +nation. We will hand to our children their birthright untarnished and +entire. This is my word to you, and if ever I fail to keep it may I +forfeit my place through all eternity by the side of my forefathers +who gave their lives for Theos.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span></p><p>The air was rent with frantic cheering. These were the words and this +the man to win their hearts. So throughout the crowd swept a +passionate and overwhelming wave of enthusiasm. Domiloff heard it and +swore unutterable things under his breath. Reist, for all that this +was his doing, felt a certain momentary anger with this people who had +taken a stranger so swiftly into their heart. Marie said nothing, but +her dark eyes were eloquent. Ughtred stepped back at last into the +room with a glow upon his face which for a moment transformed it.</p> + +<p>“You are an orator, my friend,” Reist said, quietly. “You have won +your throne. No House of Laws would refuse to confirm the choice of +such an assemblage.”</p> + +<p>“I think,” Brand said, quietly, “that I will go round to the telegraph +office. The time has arrived when I may take a hand in the game.”</p> + +<p>From the corridor came the sound of hurried footsteps. Old Basil, the +major domo, threw open the door.</p> + +<p>“The Baron Domiloff, your Excellency,” he announced.</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV"></a>CHAPTER XV</h2> + +<p>The room was large and dimly lit. Domiloff, beside himself with anger, +saw only Ughtred’s tall figure in resplendent uniform, standing +beneath the great carved mantelpiece. He addressed him fiercely.</p> + +<p>“How is this?” he exclaimed. “How came you here? What is the meaning +of it?”</p> + +<p>Ughtred looked at him for a moment gravely; then turned to Reist.</p> + +<p>“Who is this person?” he asked. “Why does he address me in this +fashion?”</p> + +<p>Reist looked from one to the other with a faint smile.</p> + +<p>“Permit me to present to your Highness,” he said, “Monsieur, the Baron +Domiloff, the representative of Russia in Theos.”</p> + +<p>Domiloff was white with rage.</p> + +<p>“But it is a farce, this!” he exclaimed, fiercely. “Prince Ughtred and +I are not strangers. I demand an explanation, sir.”</p> + +<p>“An explanation of what?” Ughtred asked.</p> + +<p>Domiloff was beside himself. His black eyes burned like live coals, +his cheeks were pallid almost to ghastliness, the muscles of his face +were twitching.</p> + +<p>“Of your presence here, sir,” he exclaimed. “Of your flight from the +palace, of your speech to the people. It was only an hour ago that you +declared yourself <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span>ignorant of the language. It seems that your +statement was false!”</p> + +<p>“Baron Domiloff is suffering, perhaps, from some hallucination,” +Ughtred said, quietly. “I have never, to the best of my belief, +exchanged a word with him in my life. As to my flight from the palace, +I have never yet entered it; nor do I propose to do so until I enter +it as King of Theos.”</p> + +<p>Domiloff’s senses were blinded with passion. The broader stature of +the Prince, his more military bearing and different accent were things +of which he took no note. He never once questioned the identity of the +man whom he was addressing so fiercely.</p> + +<p>“Your Highness will deny next,” he exclaimed, “that you travelled with +me from the frontier, that your word is pledged to sign a treaty with +Russia.”</p> + +<p>Ughtred shrugged his shoulders slightly.</p> + +<p>“The duties of a minister plenipotentiary,” he remarked, “are, I +believe, arduous. Baron Domiloff is suffering, without doubt, from +overwork. It is unnecessary for me to remark that I reached here on +horseback in company with my friend Reist, and that my word is pledged +to sign nothing—least of all a treaty with Russia.”</p> + +<p>Domiloff was absolutely speechless with passion. Brand came out from +the shadows amongst which he had been loitering, and faced the +Russian.</p> + +<p>“Do you know,” he said, amiably, “I believe that I can clear up this +little misunderstanding. Baron Domiloff is obviously mistaking you, +Prince Ughtred, for me.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span></p><p>Domiloff turned upon him swiftly.</p> + +<p>“And who, sir, are you?” he asked, harshly.</p> + +<p>“Walter Brand, journalist—the <i>Daily Courier</i>, you know.”</p> + +<p>Domiloff caught up the lamp which stood on the long oaken table, and +looked steadily from one to the other of the two men. When he set it +down there was a queer, bitter, little smile upon his lips. The moment +was one of unspeakable humiliation to him. He, a seasoned diplomatist, +trusted by his master, feared and respected everywhere, had been +befooled and outwitted—by an Englishman!</p> + +<p>“I beg to offer my tardy congratulations to your Highness,” he said, +bowing to Ughtred. “My mistake was an unpardonable one. Yet this +gentleman is, perhaps, also of the family of Tyrnaus? The resemblance +is certainly remarkable.”</p> + +<p>“Mr. Brand is not connected in any way with my family,” Ughtred +answered. “The resemblance between us is merely a coincidence—to +which it seems I owe my presence here, Baron Domiloff.”</p> + +<p>The Russian remained silent. He stood with bowed head, awaiting the +storm.</p> + +<p>“It appears,” Ughtred continued, “that by proxy I was drugged and +detained upon the frontier by your orders. For these doings I shall +certainly, when the proper moment arrives, demand an explanation.”</p> + +<p>Domiloff raised his eyes for a moment. His expression was inscrutable.</p> + +<p>“When the time comes, your Highness,” he said, “I shall be prepared to +satisfy you.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span></p><p>He passed from the room without any formal leave-taking. Reist looked +after him thoughtfully.</p> + +<p>“An enemy! Well, at least we are forewarned. Prince Ughtred, there +will be no rest for you now, or, I fear, for many days. Domiloff has +gone without doubt to the barracks. We must forestall him. I have +ordered fresh horses to be brought to the door. Marie, some wine! We +are thirsty! Wine from the King’s cup!”</p> + +<p>A servant, whose livery seemed but a slight modification of the native +dress, brought some dust-covered bottles. Marie, with her own hand, +unlocked an oaken cabinet, and produced some quaint horn cups, +emblazoned in gold, with the Reist arms. One larger than the others +she set before the Prince.</p> + +<p>“They were a present,” Reist said, “from Rudolph the Second to my +great-grandfather. The cup you have is called the King’s cup. No one +who is not of Royal birth has ever drunk out of it. Permit me!”</p> + +<p>He filled it to the brim, and Ughtred, who was thirsty, raised it +gladly to his lips. Reist and Brand waited.</p> + +<p>“To Theos and her King,” Reist said, gravely. “This is our ancient +toast. May her sons be ever brave, her rulers wise, and her soil +fruitful! God save the King!”</p> + +<p>They drank together. Marie stood at the head of the table, her dark +eyes full of silent fires, her fingers nervously twitching. Ughtred +turned towards her.</p> + +<p>“You, too,” he said, “must drink with us. Nay, I will have no refusal. +You will honour me.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span></p><p>He held his cup towards her. She shook her head.</p> + +<p>“Not from the King’s cup,” she said. “See, I have a goblet here.”</p> + +<p>But Ughtred was insistent.</p> + +<p>“I have the weakness of my forefathers,” he declared, “and I am +superstitious. It will be for my good fortune, and the good fortune of +Theos. You shall drink with me from the King’s cup.”</p> + +<p>A spot of colour burned in the girl’s cheeks. She drew back. A swift +glance passed between brother and sister. It was Reist who answered.</p> + +<p>“Your Highness,” he said, gravely, “in this little corner of the earth +we hold hard to all our old traditions, and for more than a hundred +years—ay, since first that cup was fashioned, none have drunk from it +save only those of the royal House, and——”</p> + +<p>He hesitated. Ughtred waited for him to continue.</p> + +<p>“And their betrothed.”</p> + +<p>Ughtred started. Marie looked downwards, and the deep colour mounted +even to her forehead. There was a moment’s silence. Then the spirit of +obstinacy which had been kindled in Ughtred prevailed.</p> + +<p>“I take upon my own shoulders,” he said, smiling, “all the evil that +may come of it, and I pray, Countess Marie, that you will honour me by +drinking from my cup.”</p> + +<p>She lifted her head, and the eyes of brother and sister met once +more—a single electric moment. Ughtred was conscious of little save +of a masterful desire to have his own way. His blue eyes were filled +with a compelling light. Perhaps, too, a little admiration was +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span>apparent in his bronzed, handsome face. Marie took the cup, and +raised it to her lips.</p> + +<p>“I drink,” she murmured, “to the welfare of Theos, and to her King!”</p> + +<p>There was another brief but curiously intense silence. Reist was +standing apart with folded arms and absorbed face—Brand, too, had set +down his cup, and was watching Marie. Ughtred had an uneasy feeling +that what he had regarded merely as an act of courtesy had become a +sacrament. The entrance of a servant was a relief to them all.</p> + +<p>“The horses, your Grace,” he announced, “are at the side door. The +people are lining the way to the barracks.”</p> + +<p>Reist roused himself quickly.</p> + +<p>“Your Highness is ready!” he exclaimed. “There is not a moment to +lose. We shall know now how deep is the corruption which Domiloff’s +gold has caused.”</p> + +<p>Ughtred drained his cup and stood up.</p> + +<p>“I am ready!” he declared.</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI"></a>CHAPTER XVI</h2> + +<p>“It is not only your country’s welfare,” Domiloff said, “which +trembles in the balance. It is her very existence. I appeal to you, +General Dartnoff—to you, Bushnieff. If you accept this man, Theos as +an independent country will soon be blotted from the map.”</p> + +<p>Domiloff stood leaning with his back against the long deal table. +Gathered together before him were a dozen men or more in the undress +uniform of the Moranian Guards. Dartnoff, his white hair brushed +straight back from his forehead, a tall, soldierly figure +notwithstanding his sixty years, stepped a little forward.</p> + +<p>“My friend, Domiloff,” he said, “we are gathered here, as you know, in +a state of some indecision. I will frankly admit that as yet we have +not made up our minds how to act. Yet it seems to me that you go a +little far. We have more faith in ourselves and in the destinies of +our ancient kingdom than you seem willing to give us credit for. The +end might be as you say supposing we found ourselves involved with one +of the great Powers. But let me assure you, Baron Domiloff, that the +contest would be no bloodless one. Theos has held her own, beset +though she has been by powerful enemies, for many centuries.”</p> + +<p>A little murmur of applause escaped from the lips of those gathered +around him. Domiloff held up his hand.</p> + +<p>“The past of your country,” he exclaimed, “is a <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span>magnificent chapter +in history. It is the more incumbent upon you to see that she has a +future. Warfare to-day has become a science. Reckless bravery is no +longer the surety of success. Theos is without any of the modern +appliances of war. Her artillery is ancient and her guns fit for the +dust-heap. General Dartnoff, a heavy responsibility rests upon your +shoulders.”</p> + +<p>Dartnoff stroked his long grey moustache thoughtfully.</p> + +<p>“Domiloff, my friend,” he said, “you appear a little flurried, but you +are also very much in earnest. Now speak to us exactly the words which +are in your heart. You have advice to give, eh? Well, we will listen.”</p> + +<p>Domiloff moved to the high bare window, and looked downwards towards +the town. As yet there was no sign of the figures which he dreaded to +see. He faced once more the little assemblage.</p> + +<p>“Here are plain words,” he said, speaking rapidly, and with rising +colour. “If I have seemed evasive hitherto it is because I come to +persuade, not to dictate, and I know that the tempers of you men of +Theos are easily kindled. Nicholas of Reist brings to-day a forgotten +descendant of the Tyrnaus family, and with your consent would make him +King. I say with your consent, because the House of Laws is nothing +to-day but a farcical assembly, and they will do what Reist bids them. +The real decision rests with you. Listen. Russia will refuse to +recognize this man. If you accept him her restraining hand upon Turkey +will be removed. Russia herself may not think it worth while to move +against you, but even now in secret the Turks are massing upon your +borders. They wait only for the signal.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span></p><p>Dartnoff nodded gravely.</p> + +<p>“Well,” he said, “let us hear what will happen to us supposing we +accept your warning and refuse to recognize Ughtred of Tyrnaus.”</p> + +<p>“The protection of Russia,” Domiloff cried, eagerly. “My master +himself shall guarantee your independence. I will give you pledges. +You will reserve for a friend and an ally the most generous of the +Powers. But you must be quick,” he added, with a sudden start. “Now is +the time for you to act. Close the gates upon those who come here +to-night. It shall be your answer.”</p> + +<p>Dartnoff shook his head.</p> + +<p>“I cannot do that,” he said. “Nicholas of Reist is a colonel in our +army, and he has the right to enter here at any time.”</p> + +<p>There was the thunder of hoofs in the courtyard. Domiloff bit his lip +and looked nervously around.</p> + +<p>“Reist is a traitor,” he exclaimed. “It is against the law to harbour +a Tyrnaus.”</p> + +<p>“We will hear what our friend Nicholas of Reist has to say,” Dartnoff +answered, coldly. “You might perhaps find it advisable to retire, +Baron Domiloff.”</p> + +<p>The door was thrown open. Nicholas and Ughtred entered. General +Dartnoff stepped forward.</p> + +<p>“General,” Nicholas exclaimed, “and brother officers of the Thetian +Guards. I have the honour to present you to Prince Ughtred of +Tyrnaus.”</p> + +<p>Ughtred held out his hand frankly. But there was not one of them who +did not bow low, after the manner of one making an obeisance rather +than exchanging greetings.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span></p><p>“Your names are well known to me,” Ughtred said. “I believe that by +hereditary right I may call myself a colonel in your regiment and a +brother officer.”</p> + +<p>Dartnoff bowed.</p> + +<p>“Your Highness is pleased to remember what is undoubtedly a fact,” he +said. “The brave deeds of Captain Erlito in the Soudan have been a +source of pride to all of us.”</p> + +<p>Ughtred smiled with pleasure—and Nicholas, with his hand upon his +sword, addressed General Dartnoff in clear tones.</p> + +<p>“General Dartnoff,” he said, “I take the liberty of addressing you as +Commander-in-Chief of the Thetian army. The Republic of Theos has +ceased by reason of its own misdeeds to exist. I have always, as you +know, refused to recognize its legislation. I claim that its decree +abolishing the ancient monarchy and establishing a republic here was +invalid and worthless. We have been made the laughing-stock of Europe +by the gold-bought merchants and traitors who have presumed to occupy +the high places of Theos. That is all at an end. It rests with us to +restore honour and dignity to our country. There is but one way, but +that a sure one, General Dartnoff and brother officers. We come here +alone and unattended, but had we wished it we could have stormed your +walls with half the population of Theos at our backs. I call upon you +all to take the oath of allegiance to Ughtred of Tyrnaus, King of +Theos, by divine right and the choice of the people.”</p> + +<p>General Dartnoff hesitated for a moment.</p> + +<p>“Duke of Reist,” he said, slowly. “You ask us to <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span>take a step on the +impulse of the moment from which there could be no drawing back, which +for good or for evil must decide forever the destinies of our country. +Whatever my own personal inclinations might be, I owe it to my brother +officers, and to our deep sense of patriotism to consult with them for +a few minutes.”</p> + +<p>Reist would have spoken hastily, but Ughtred checked him.</p> + +<p>“General Dartnoff has spoken like a wise man,” he said. “I am content +to wait.”</p> + +<p>With folded arms, drawn to his full height, a commanding figure +indeed, Ughtred of Tyrnaus stood by the window looking down upon the +city and the country which he loved. General Dartnoff, surrounded by +his officers, stood at the head of the table. In the further corner of +the room where the shadows were deepest Domiloff lurked. He watched +their faces, and he knew that the game was lost.</p> + +<p>Only a very few minutes had gone by before Dartnoff approached the two +men by the window.</p> + +<p>“Your Highness,” he said, to Ughtred, with marked respect. “There is +one question which we feel constrained to ask.”</p> + +<p>Ughtred bowed.</p> + +<p>“As many as you will,” he answered.</p> + +<p>“In your coronation oath you swear to maintain inviolate the +independence of Theos. We would know if at all costs, though the cost +should be famine, death or annihilation, will you keep this oath to +the letter?”</p> + +<p>“May God have no mercy upon me hereafter if ever I should depart from +it one hair’s-breadth,” Ughtred answered, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span>with a sudden note of +passion surging up in his tone. “I have no fancy for ruling a +tributary state, sir. My forefathers have held safely for Theos +through long generations the priceless gift of her liberty, and I +would sooner die a thousand times over than that mine should be the +hand to part with it.”</p> + +<p>General Dartnoff dropped on his knee, and drawing his sword from his +scabbard, kissed its hilt.</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty,” he said, “we are all your faithful servants.”</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII"></a>CHAPTER XVII</h2> + +<p>“Well!”</p> + +<p>Reist unfastened his sword. The State uniform of the Thetian Guards +was cumbersome, and the day was hot.</p> + +<p>“Let Basil bring me wine,” he ordered. “The cathedral was a furnace. +Everywhere the air seems hot with the shouting of the people.”</p> + +<p>“Up here,” Marie said, “the clamour of voices has seemed incessant. I +have never heard anything like it.”</p> + +<p>He walked up and down moodily. He was not sure whether the day had +gone according to his liking. All the time her eyes questioned him.</p> + +<p>“One thing,” he declared, “is certain. Never again will a republic +exist in Theos. Two generations of <i>roués</i> and madmen have not +sickened this people of the House of Tyrnaus. Their loyalty is +amazing.”</p> + +<p>“This man,” she said, “is neither <i>roué</i> nor madman.”</p> + +<p>“It is true,” he admitted.</p> + +<p>He drank his wine, and as he set the glass down he felt her watching +him. He understood the unspoken question in her deep, blue eyes.</p> + +<p>“Of his betrothal,” Reist said, slowly, “there was no word.”</p> + +<p>She drew herself up haughtily, a slim, stately figure in her +magnificent white dress, caught up with jewels, and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span>the curious +bejewelled head-dress which in Theos was the symbol of her rank. Yet +Nicholas, who watched her closely, caught the gleam of something in +her eyes which surprised him. It was more like relief than anger.</p> + +<p>“Was our ancient usage explained to him?” she asked.</p> + +<p>“Yes! I told him that an unmarried king was contrary to the +time-sanctioned custom of our country. I told him that the +announcement of his betrothal should be made at the moment of his +coronation. The people expected it, and it would add immensely to his +popularity.”</p> + +<p>“You told him that?”</p> + +<p>“Yes!”</p> + +<p>“And he answered?”</p> + +<p>“He answered me with a jest. As yet he was not prepared to marry or to +think of marriage. He preferred to retain his liberty.”</p> + +<p>She bit her lip, and the colour mantled in her cheeks.</p> + +<p>“And you?”</p> + +<p>He hesitated.</p> + +<p>“It was after the words of the ceremony. He was my king. Between a +Reist and a Tyrnaus the difference is purely accidental. The Reists +are, indeed, the older and the nobler family. But between a Reist and +his king there is a gulf. I cannot point my sword against him.”</p> + +<p>She walked restlessly up and down the room. Her thoughts were in +confusion. For some vague, unacknowledged cause, her first impulse had +been one of <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span>relief. She had expected a formal offer for her hand, and +she would scarcely admit even to herself that that expectation had +been a dread. Yet to be ignored touched her pride keenly. She stopped +by her brother’s chair.</p> + +<p>“What, then?” she asked. “Am I, the Countess Marie of Reist, to be +flouted and passed over by a beggarly soldier, whose life has been +spent as an adventurer, because the blood of the House of Tyrnaus is +in his veins and chance has brought him to the throne? Nicholas, am I +to look to you in vain to avenge this insult?”</p> + +<p>The man’s eyes flashed fire.</p> + +<p>“Be patient, Marie,” he answered. “Ughtred of Tyrnaus has lived in +strange countries all his life, and imbibed the hateful modernisms of +the West. Let us wait for a little. Perhaps he does not understand. +Perhaps the time would seem to him too short even for a royal wooing. +We will watch and wait. Meanwhile, listen. This is certain. If Ughtred +of Tyrnaus lives out his reign, you and no other shall be his queen. +That at least I can answer for.”</p> + +<p>She shrugged her shoulders.</p> + +<p>“It may be,” she said, “that when he is ready he may find his +opportunity gone. The throne of Theos will be no bed of roses. In the +meantime, I at least shall not go to the palace.”</p> + +<p>Reist looked doubtful.</p> + +<p>“It was arranged,” he reminded her, “that you should receive the wives +of the Ministers. It is your right of birth.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span></p><p>“I renounce it then for the present,” she answered. “Let him see how +the fat old Kolashin woman will look on his left hand.”</p> + +<p>Her brother watched her thoughtfully. Then he shrugged his shoulders.</p> + +<p>“Women are all alike,” he said to himself, bitterly, on his way to the +palace. “She is in love with Ughtred of Tyrnaus. She has drunk with +him from the King’s cup. It is enough!”</p> + +<hr class="medium" /> + +<p>“Baron Domiloff!”</p> + +<p>She rose to her feet perplexed—a little annoyed. It was a visit which +she did not understand. He came swiftly across the lawn to her, +unattended and unannounced.</p> + +<p>“I do not understand,” she said, as he bowed low before her. “My +servants have no authority to send you here. I am not receiving this +afternoon—and you—you surely should be at the palace.”</p> + +<p>“I offer my most profound apologies, Countess,” he said respectfully. +“Your servants are not at fault. It was my persistence which +prevailed.”</p> + +<p>“You have some message for me?” she asked, doubtfully.</p> + +<p>“None,” he answered. “I have come here on my own initiative. You will +permit me the honour of a few minutes’ interview. As to my absence +from the palace, is that more likely to be remarked upon than yours, +Countess?”</p> + +<p>She waived the question.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span></p><p>“It is at least more surprising,” she answered. “Do you wish your +Austrian friends to have it all their own way with the King?”</p> + +<p>“The Countess of Reist’s sympathies are, I fear,” he murmured, “with +my rival.”</p> + +<p>“My sympathies,” she answered, “are with neither of you. You each seek +aggrandizement at our expense. I am a Thetian, and I believe that the +less we have to do with foreigners the better. But I do not see, Baron +Domiloff, what profit there can be in a discussion of this sort +between you and me. I am still waiting for an explanation of your +presence here. Which of my servants has proved faithless?”</p> + +<p>“None,” he answered. “I made my way here unknown to anybody. I came, +Countess, to ask you a question.”</p> + +<p>“Well!”</p> + +<p>He did not immediately reply. There was a good deal at stake, and her +manner was not encouraging. In the end it came, however.</p> + +<p>“Is it true what they are whispering in the city—that you have drunk +with Ughtred of Tyrnaus from the King’s cup?”</p> + +<p>The Countess rose from her seat with flashing eyes. The Russian stood +his ground, however, respectful, insistent, having well calculated the +effect of his words.</p> + +<p>“What an infamy—that you should dare to come here and ask me such a +question. If you will not leave me at once, sir, I myself must return +to the house. Your presence here is an insult.”</p> + +<p>Domiloff stood in the centre of the path, and his <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span>manner was the +manner of a man who has something to say, and will surely say it.</p> + +<p>“Countess,” he exclaimed, “I can claim no more with you, it is true, +than the merest acquaintance, but I beg of you to consider whether I +have the reputation of doing foolish things or asking foolish +questions. You may not believe it, but I have the good of your country +at heart. We in Russia desire an independent Theos. When I see her, +therefore, drifting gradually towards certain destruction, I brave all +things to save her.”</p> + +<p>She regarded him steadfastly, still angry, but a trifle curious.</p> + +<p>“Explain yourself, sir—if any explanation is possible.”</p> + +<p>“Countess,” he answered, “for the sake of your country, answer my +question.”</p> + +<p>She hesitated. Her cheeks were flushed. She drew herself up proudly.</p> + +<p>“You are well served, Baron,” she said. “Your spies, it seems, can +penetrate even within the walls of the Reist house. Yet the matter is +no secret. I have drunk with Ughtred of Tyrnaus from the King’s cup.”</p> + +<p>He inclined his head slowly.</p> + +<p>“Yes,” he said, “I was sure of it. Yet you have done well to tell me. +Now I will tell you this. Ughtred of Tyrnaus before he had been King +an hour sent to London to summon here an American woman with whom he +had been—on the best terms in London.”</p> + +<p>She was thoughtful for a moment.</p> + +<p>“You are sure of this?”</p> + +<p>“I am sure of it,” he answered.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span></p><p>“Is she of noble birth?”</p> + +<p>Domiloff, who had been in New York, smiled faintly.</p> + +<p>“She is an American,” he answered. “Her father was a shopkeeper, her +grandfather a labourer. He intends to marry her!”</p> + +<p>“That is impossible,” she answered, curtly. “The people of Theos would +not permit it.”</p> + +<p>“When did a Tyrnaus,” he asked, “ever consider the welfare or opinion +of his subjects when the gratification of a caprice was concerned.”</p> + +<p>She shrugged her shoulders.</p> + +<p>“And why,” she asked, “do you bring this news to me?”</p> + +<p>“To give you an opportunity of saving your country,” he answered, +promptly. “See, I will risk everything—I tell you the whole truth. +Ughtred of Tyrnaus is not acceptable to my master as King of Theos. We +know the race too well. They are not to be trusted—the integrity of +the State is not safe in their hands. There is only one man who is the +Heaven-designed ruler of Theos!”</p> + +<p>“And he?”</p> + +<p>“It is your brother!”</p> + +<p>Now, indeed, she was interested. A rush of colour warmed her cheeks. +The frigidity of her manner vanished as though by magic.</p> + +<p>“I myself have told him so,” she exclaimed. “When the people rose +against the republic they called for him. It was the golden +opportunity which he failed to seize.”</p> + +<p>“It will come again,” he assured her, earnestly. “I <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span>give you my word +that it will come again. That shall be my care. Yours is to see that +next time he is prepared.”</p> + +<p>“Why do you not yourself speak to him?” she asked.</p> + +<p>He smiled.</p> + +<p>“You know your brother. The knowledge should answer that question. He +has sworn loyalty to Ughtred of Tyrnaus, and for good or for evil he +will keep his vow. We must wait till the thing is inevitable.”</p> + +<p>“And I,” she murmured, “I, too, am a Reist, and he is my king.”</p> + +<p>“You are the first lady in Theos,” he answered, “and you will not be +content to bend your knee day by day before a plebeian. I will prove +to you that I am sincere. If the King seeks your hand in marriage, I +will not raise a little finger against him. But we will not support +another Tyrnaus in another reign of folly. We will not recognize a +king who places by his side upon the throne the daughter of +tradespeople.”</p> + +<p>“It would be infamous,” she murmured.</p> + +<p>“Dear lady,” he said softly, “try to forget that I am a Russian, or +that Russia was ever your fancied enemy. An independent Theos is my +policy, it is your religion. Let us work hand in hand.”</p> + +<p>The old distrust was hard to smother. She gave him the tips of her +fingers.</p> + +<p>“You can speak with me again,” she said. “I make no promises. I will +watch.”</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII"></a>CHAPTER XVIII</h2> + +<p>Ughtred, with a deep sigh of relief, sank into an easy-chair, and +mopped his forehead in most unkingly fashion. He had escaped for a +moment into the royal ante-room.</p> + +<p>“Nicholas,” he exclaimed, “if I am to be preserved for the service of +the State order me a whisky-and-soda. This is harder work than our +ride from Castle Reist.”</p> + +<p>Reist touched the bell and smiled.</p> + +<p>“It is not yet concluded,” he said. “I have many yet upon my list who +have not been presented to your Majesty. There must be no +heartburnings to-night. We must make no enemies.”</p> + +<p>Ughtred sat up with a sudden sense of injury.</p> + +<p>“Nicholas,” he demanded, “where is your sister?”</p> + +<p>Reist’s face was imperturbable.</p> + +<p>“My sister,” he said, “regretted exceedingly her inability to be +present. She will pay her respects to your Majesty later.”</p> + +<p>The King frowned. His manner was impatient.</p> + +<p>“It is now that I require her help,” he said. “The Baroness is an +utter impossibility. Her French is unrecognizable, she remembers no +one, and the woman herself with her dyed hair and feathers is a +caricature. Your sister must really make an effort, Reist. She must +come and help me out.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span></p><p>“I will see that your Majesty’s wishes,” Reist answered quietly, “are +conveyed to her.”</p> + +<p>The King eyed him keenly. Reist then was concealing something. His +sister’s absence was not motiveless.</p> + +<p>“On reflection,” he said, “I desire to emphasize my wishes. Your +sister’s absence is significant, and might possibly be commented upon. +You will go yourself and fetch her, Nicholas. Say that I desire her +immediate presence.”</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty,” Reist protested, “my sister may have to make her +toilette. Her immediate return with me will doubtless be impossible.”</p> + +<p>“The Countess will use her own discretion as to the time she keeps me +waiting,” Ughtred answered coolly. “I have told you that I shall await +your return.”</p> + +<p>Reist turned away with immovable face. Ughtred remained in the +ante-room alone. He lit a cigarette, and took a pile of telegrams from +the table by his side. Selecting the topmost he read it thoughtfully +to himself.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>“My best wishes to you and for the welfare of your kingdom. +May my offering remain forever an ornament. May peace and +happiness be the lot of your people and your own.—<span class="smcap">Sara van +Decht.</span>”</p></div> + +<p>“A coronation present with such a wish,” he said to himself, “must +remain an enigma. Enter.”</p> + +<p>An attendant withdrew the curtain.</p> + +<p>“Captain Hartzan, of the Artillery, desires a moment’s audience with +your Majesty,” the servant announced.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span></p><p>The King nodded.</p> + +<p>“Let him be shown in.”</p> + +<p>A young officer bowed low as he passed through the curtains.</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty,” he announced, “a messenger has arrived at the barracks +from the English firm of Vickers, Son, and Maxim. He is in charge of a +whole battery of Maxims and quick-firing pom-poms, and awaits +instructions as to their delivery.”</p> + +<p>“I know nothing of them,” the King answered. “I understood that the +firm you mention had declined the orders of the late Government.”</p> + +<p>“It is true, your Majesty,” the officer answered, “and in consequence +we have scarcely a modern gun at the barracks. The battery which has +arrived here was intended for the Russian Government, but was +purchased, the person in charge informs me, by a private individual +for cash, as a coronation present to your Majesty.”</p> + +<p>The King started.</p> + +<p>“Are you sure that there is no mistake?” he asked.</p> + +<p>“None, your Majesty,” the officer answered. “The messenger is quite +explicit. It is a princely gift. Colonel Dartnoff instructed me to +make an immediate report to your Majesty.”</p> + +<p>Ughtred for a moment was puzzled.</p> + +<p>“I know of no one,” he said reflectively, “who could make such a +present.”</p> + +<p>The young officer hesitated.</p> + +<p>“The artillery man in charge, your Majesty, claims to have seen the +donor’s cheque. It was a draft upon <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span>Rothschilds, drawn by an American +of the name of Van Decht.”</p> + +<p>Ughtred caught up the telegram by his side. His eyes were suddenly +bright. He understood.</p> + +<p>“You will inform the agent in charge,” he said, “that I will receive +him to-morrow, and arrange a date to inspect the battery.”</p> + +<p>The young officer bowed respectfully, and withdrew. Reist took his +place. The King eyed him sternly, for at first it seemed to him that +so prompt a return was significant.</p> + +<p>“Well, sir!”</p> + +<p>Reist lifted the curtain. Marie stood there in Court dress, her long +train held by pages in the Reist livery, her neck and arms ablaze with +jewels, a coronet of pearls upon her forehead. She was a little pale, +and she carried herself with more than ordinary dignity. The King +rose, and, bowing low, raised her hands to his lips.</p> + +<p>“You are very welcome, Countess of Reist,” he said, “although you are +amongst the latest of those who have come to offer their good wishes.”</p> + +<p>“I have come,” she answered, “in obedience to your Majesty’s +commands.”</p> + +<p>“Commands!” He smiled good-humouredly. “It is very unkind of you,” he +said, “to have thought of deserting me on such a day as this.”</p> + +<p>“My brother——”</p> + +<p>“Oh, Nicholas is invaluable,” the King declared, lightly. “He can tell +me what to say to the men, but it is in receiving the women I need +your help.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span></p><p>“The Baroness Kolashin is as well acquainted with our countrywomen as +I,” Marie answered. “I did not doubt but that her aid would be +sufficient.”</p> + +<p>“The Baroness,” Ughtred answered, “has done her best; but another hour +by her side would rob me of the few wits I have left. I should like to +know for what special sin I was committed to her charge.”</p> + +<p>Marie shrugged her shoulders ever so slightly, but she did not smile.</p> + +<p>“I am at your Majesty’s service,” she said.</p> + +<p>Ughtred was puzzled. In what manner had he offended her?</p> + +<p>“If my message seemed to you peremptory,” he said, “will you not +ascribe it to my desire to taste the full measure of my powers? I know +nothing of the privileges of a king save what I have read in books. +But it seems to me that included amongst them must surely be the +privilege of choosing one’s companions—and one’s friends.”</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty,” Marie answered, “may find that a rash assumption. It +may lead to disappointment. Friends are scarcely to be made in a day, +or to order. You must send for some of those whom you have left behind +in England.”</p> + +<p>He looked at her, curious to know if anything lurked behind those +words.</p> + +<p>“Mine has not been the sort of life,” he said, quietly, “which leads +to the making of friendships. I have been a wanderer always, and a +lonely one. I had hoped to fill the empty places—here.”</p> + +<p>There was a note of appeal in his tone—dignified, yet <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span>not in a sense +without pathos. He glanced at Nicholas, but he looked first at Marie. +A faint touch of colour flushed her cheeks. Her manner was visibly +softened.</p> + +<p>“I trust that your Majesty may not be disappointed,” she said. And her +eyes fell before his for the first time.</p> + +<p>A crash of music reminded them of those who still waited to bow before +the King. So they passed out into the great ballroom, and mounting the +dais, Marie stood on the King’s left hand. The room was a blaze of +light, of brilliant uniforms and beautiful dresses. At ten o’clock, +Reist came up with a look of relief upon his face, and a gleam of +excitement in his eyes.</p> + +<p>“The English Minister and his wife, your Majesty,” he murmured. “It is +excellent. The others will follow.”</p> + +<p>The news spread. A little flutter of joy rippled through the room. The +coming of this dignified, kindly old man, with his grey hair and +single decoration, was the one thing needed. Theos had taken to +herself a King, asking leave of no one, but the countenance of some at +least of the Powers was a vital thing. At the informal coronation, +rushed through by Reist and his friends, not one of the Ministers had +been present. Domiloff, with smooth face and with many lying regrets, +had presented an interdictory note from Russia, but owing to the +peculiar conditions prevailing there had not been until after the +coronation any properly-appointed person to receive it. The late +foreign Minister had refused it with a smile and a polite word of +regret, and his example had been followed by every member of the +Royalist party. There was, they explained, at the moment no +government, no officials, no Minister. Their <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span>various appointments +were arranged for and would be confirmed immediately after the +coronation. Until then they were only private persons. So Domiloff, +with a suave jest and a shrug of his shoulders, shut himself up in his +house, while the cathedral bells clashed and the cannon roared from +the walls.</p> + +<p>The English Minister was followed in quick succession by the +representatives of France and Austria, and with their coming a certain +sense of restraint passed away from the brilliant assemblage. Before +there had been a certain sense of unreality in the whole thing. The +tone of the rejoicings had been feverish—who could tell but that in a +week this thing might not have passed away like a mirage. Now a +heartier note altogether prevailed, especially amongst the men. There +were no more side glances, or shrugged shoulders—the volcano no +longer trembled beneath their feet. Dancing commenced, and the King +stood up with Marie of Reist. At supper she remained on his right +hand. Many people spoke to Reist of this.</p> + +<p>“It is excellent, Duke,” declared old Baron Kolashin, once +Commander-in-Chief of the Army. “Theos needs no outside alliance. It +means only entanglement. That,” he inclined his head to where Marie +and the King were talking, “will send Theos crazy with joy.”</p> + +<p>Reist shook his head.</p> + +<p>“You anticipate, my dear Kolashin,” he answered. “Our Court circle is, +as you know, small, and Marie’s rank entitles her to receive. But this +is only their second meeting. I am sure that as yet no such idea has +entered the King’s head.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span></p><p>Kolashin twirled his fierce moustache, and smiled knowingly.</p> + +<p>“Eh, but my friend, there is a report that they have drunk together +from the King’s cup. How about that?”</p> + +<p>“It is true,” Reist admitted, “but the King knows nothing of the +history of the cup. His offer was one of gallantry—no more. They were +children together.”</p> + +<p>The general chuckled.</p> + +<p>“Marie is a beautiful girl,” he said. “There is none like her in +Theos. Eh, but if I were young again.”</p> + +<p>He went off smiling to himself.</p> + +<p>Reist was touched on the arm by Brand.</p> + +<p>“May I speak to you for a moment, Duke?”</p> + +<p>“By all means.”</p> + +<p>“There is still one of the foreign Ministers absent besides Domiloff.”</p> + +<p>Reist nodded.</p> + +<p>“Effenden Pascha. There is yet time, however.”</p> + +<p>“Effenden Pascha is not coming,” Brand said.</p> + +<p>Reist eyed him sharply.</p> + +<p>“How do you know that?”</p> + +<p>“I was at the palace gates,” Brand answered, “when Effenden Pascha +drove up. He was on the point of entering when he was accosted by our +friend Domiloff.”</p> + +<p>Reist’s face grew black as night.</p> + +<p>“The hound!” he murmured. “Go on!”</p> + +<p>“They stayed talking for five minutes or more. Eventually they both +reentered Effenden Pascha’s carriage and were driven off.”</p> + +<p>“The wolf and the dog,” Reist cried, fiercely. “Let them beware how +they bark at the gates of Theos.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span></p><p>He was white almost to the lips with anger. Brand watched him +curiously.</p> + +<p>“I do not believe that you people like the Turks,” he remarked.</p> + +<p>Reist turned upon him with a sudden violent gesture. His voice was +low, but charged with passionate hate.</p> + +<p>“Like them! To us they are as vermin, a pest upon the face of the +earth. You wonder why! I tell you that it is because we know them, +because their border villages are in touch with ours, we know their +life and the manner of it. I could tell you things which you dare not +put in print; stories which, if English people read in your paper they +would brand you a liar. So, my friend, Brand, believe this. There is +not a true Thetian breathing who would not rather die himself and kill +his wife and children than that the Turks should enter Theos.... +Pardon me!”</p> + +<p>He moved away with a quick, expressive gesture. Brand remained in his +corner, and presently the King with Marie of Reist upon his arm passed +by. They paused before him.</p> + +<p>“Come, Brand,” Ughtred remarked, “why so thoughtful? You must dance, +my friend.”</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty,” Brand answered, “I was pondering upon the inequalities +of life. Yesterday I was a King, and a most uncomfortable position it +was! To-day you are King—and”—he glanced at Marie—“it is a trial to +one’s disposition to refrain from envy.”</p> + +<p>Marie detached her hand softly from the King’s sleeve.</p> + +<p>“So gallant a speech, sir,” she said, smiling, “must be rewarded. You +have not yet asked me to dance!”</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX"></a>CHAPTER XIX</h2> + +<p>“It seems to me,” she said, quietly, “that all men must be ambitious, +that the love of power must be a part of their very existence.”</p> + +<p>“In England,” he remarked, “we are more circumscribed, our limits are +more exact. Yet I suppose in our small way we all flutter our wings.”</p> + +<p>“I have a curiosity to understand things,” she said, leaning back and +fanning herself slowly. “Help me to understand yourself.”</p> + +<p>He smiled.</p> + +<p>“Do I puzzle you then?”</p> + +<p>“A little—yes!”</p> + +<p>“How?”</p> + +<p>She looked at him reflectively out of her dark, full eyes. He looked +into them once and turned away—he scarcely knew why.</p> + +<p>“You do not seem to me,” she said, “like a man who would be content +with small things. You outwitted Domiloff himself. Yet you call +yourself a writer, and you are perhaps content?”</p> + +<p>He shrugged his shoulders.</p> + +<p>“Why not? There is excitement in it. One travels everywhere, meets +strange types of people, penetrates into unknown countries, carries +often one’s life in one’s hands. Oh, it’s not a bad life.”</p> + +<p>“Perhaps,” she answered, “I do not quite understand. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span>Our newspapers +in Theos are different. You then are content?”</p> + +<p>Again that curious searching gaze from the most beautiful eyes into +which he had ever looked. Brand, in whose life women had played a +small part, was unaccountably ill at ease. His easy nonchalance of +manner had deserted him. Content! He looked for a moment into his +future, and was astonished to find in it a new emptiness. She bent +over towards him, and at her touch a thrill went through his veins, +and set his heart beating to a new music.</p> + +<p>“Just now,” she murmured, “you told the King—that you envied him. Was +it true?”</p> + +<p>“For the moment,” he answered, “I think that it was.”</p> + +<p>“You then would like to be a king?”</p> + +<p>He laughed, and answered her with a forced lightness.</p> + +<p>“I? Not I! It would not suit me at all.”</p> + +<p>“What did you mean, then?” she persisted.</p> + +<p>“I think,” he said, “that I was a little lonely. You see I know none +of these people. I am a stranger, and I felt a little out of my +element. And then—then he came by with you, and—well, I wished I +were in his place.”</p> + +<p>She laughed very softly.</p> + +<p>“So far as I am concerned,” she murmured, “you very soon had your +wish.”</p> + +<p>“It was very kind of you,” he said, “to take pity upon me.”</p> + +<p>“I think that I wanted to talk to you again,” she said. “I am tired of +all these people. Tell me, Mr. Brand, how long will you stay on in +Theos?”</p> + +<p>“I am not sure,” he answered, “perhaps a week, perhaps <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span>a month. It +depends upon my paper. They may recall me at any time.”</p> + +<p>She frowned, and stopped fanning herself.</p> + +<p>“Why do you go back?” she said, abruptly. “Why do you not stay in +Theos?”</p> + +<p>“There is no place here for me,” he answered. “I am a stranger.”</p> + +<p>“You say,” she continued, “that in your own country the limits of life +are being drawn closer. Why do you not make for yourself a career in a +country like this? Theos has need of such men as you.”</p> + +<p>He shook his head.</p> + +<p>“Theos has her own sons to direct her future. I am a stranger.”</p> + +<p>“So is the King!”</p> + +<p>“But he is a Tyrnaus. The people have chosen him for their King.”</p> + +<p>“You are his friend,” she said, “and to you I may not say very much. +But he is young, and he may make mistakes. He comes of a family who +have done much evil here.”</p> + +<p>Brand was startled.</p> + +<p>“I thought that you and your brother were his chief supporters,” he +said. “People are saying, too——”</p> + +<p>Her fan stopped. Brand hesitated.</p> + +<p>“Please to go on,” she said, imperiously.</p> + +<p>“It is not my affair,” he continued, awkwardly. “I ought not to have +alluded to it. But they are speaking of the possibilities of a +marriage between you and him.”</p> + +<p>The slow waving of white feathers recommenced. He felt that she was +looking at him; almost in spite of <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span>himself their eyes met. He looked +away with hot cheeks and burning eyes. Was this girl a trained +coquette, or——</p> + +<p>“I do not think,” she said, “that you need consider that. I do not +think that I shall ever marry Ughtred of Tyrnaus.”</p> + +<p>Despite himself he spoke the thoughts which had filled his mind.</p> + +<p>“You,” he said, “are ambitious. Have you no desire to be a queen?”</p> + +<p>“I love power,” she answered, “but I am a woman—and I do not wish to +marry Ughtred of Tyrnaus.”</p> + +<p>Brand told himself fiercely that he was a fool. Yet the music was +suddenly sweeter, his vague antipathy to the King had vanished into +thin air, the taste of life was sweeter between his teeth.</p> + +<p>“You may think me mad,” he said, “but I am—not sorry—to hear it.”</p> + +<p>There was a short silence. It was evident that if she thought him mad +she was not displeased.</p> + +<p>“Some day,” she said, presently, “I should like to talk to you of +Theos. I believe that before long there will be great changes here. A +new order of things may come—and you are one of those whom Theos may +look to for help.”</p> + +<p>“I?” he repeated. “But, indeed, Countess, you are overrating me. I am +only a journalist. I know nothing of statecraft.”</p> + +<p>“You are a strong man,” she answered, “and strong men are scarce. +Promise me that you will not leave Theos without letting me know.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span></p><p>“I am not likely to do that,” he said. “If ever I can help you or your +country I would do it willingly. But you will remember that I am the +friend of Ughtred of Tyrnaus.”</p> + +<p>“You may have other friends—is it not so?”</p> + +<p>The significance of her speech once more filled him with new +emotions—half-delightful—half-uneasy. A sudden passionate impulse +came to him to seize the little white hand all ablaze with jewels +which hung over the arm of her chair so near to his. He mastered it +with a stupendous effort. They sat there in a silence which was to him +almost ecstatic. Then Nicholas of Reist stood suddenly before them, +his black eyebrows contracted into a lowering frown.</p> + +<p>“Marie,” he said, “the King is asking for you.”</p> + +<p>She shrugged her shoulders, and rose without haste.</p> + +<p>“I think,” she said, “that I have done my duty—and I am tired. I +should like to go home, Nicholas.”</p> + +<p>“You must make your adieux, in any case,” he answered, giving her his +arm, and ignoring Brand. “No one is leaving yet, and there is to be a +display of fireworks in the grounds.”</p> + +<p>She looked over her shoulder to Brand with a parting smile.</p> + +<p>“Good-night, Mr. Brand. I have enjoyed my rest very much.”</p> + +<p>He bowed low, and remained for a moment alone in the Palm House. +Through the open windows came the sound of ascending rockets hissing +through the still night air—the grounds were ablaze with lights. He +passed out, and mingled with the crowd of people.</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XX" id="CHAPTER_XX"></a>CHAPTER XX</h2> + +<p>Illuminations, fireworks, and the thunder of saluting cannon closed +the day. The excited crowds dispersed slowly to their homes, the +National Hymn ceased at last to echo through the squares and streets. +Towards midnight Domiloff, who had left the palace early, knocked at +the door of a large white house in the Place des Éstrangers, and was +at once admitted. He passed into a hall furnished after the Turkish +style, and into the presence of Effenden Pascha.</p> + +<p>The Turk was still in the uniform and jewelled turban which he had +donned for the reception at the palace. He greeted Domiloff eagerly. +They conversed in French.</p> + +<p>“It is well that you have come,” the Turk exclaimed. “To-morrow it +will be known in Constantinople that you and I alone of the foreign +Ministers failed to attend the reception of the new King. How am I to +explain this, Domiloff?”</p> + +<p>Domiloff nodded, and lit a cigarette.</p> + +<p>“Listen, Effenden Pascha,” he said, quietly. “I have within the last +few minutes received a message from St. Petersburg ordering me to +recognize on behalf of Russia, Ughtred of Tyrnaus. It does not suit my +country just at present to be at variance with the other Powers. +Accordingly I must present myself at the palace to-morrow. You, +however, are outside the concert. Now, listen. I speak truth, do I +not, when I say <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span>that the ancient enmity between your country and +Theos is still a live thing—that but for the Powers your soldiers +would long ago have pillaged Theos, and sacked the city?”</p> + +<p>“It is true,” Effenden Pascha admitted. “What then?”</p> + +<p>“The accession of Ughtred of Tyrnaus is not approved of by my master. +As I have explained, we cannot move ourselves, for the time is not yet +ripe for a European war. This, however, we can undertake. If your +master should refuse to recognize the new sovereign of Theos, and +should think the time ripe for an effort to regain what was once a +part of the Ottoman Empire, there shall be no interference. Russia +will not interfere, and Russia will see that no other Power does. You +follow me?”</p> + +<p>“Perfectly,” Effenden Pascha answered, quietly; “and afterwards?”</p> + +<p>“The afterwards,” Domiloff remarked, with a shrug of the shoulders, +“is of your own making.”</p> + +<p>The Turk shook his head slowly.</p> + +<p>“Domiloff,” he said, “so far all is well. But your price? Your master +serves no one without a price. Wherein is to come your advantage?”</p> + +<p>“We have none to gain,” Domiloff answered. “Simply we object to a +Tyrnaus once more upon the throne of Theos.”</p> + +<p>The Turk moved towards the door.</p> + +<p>“There is still time,” he said. “I go to pay my respects to King +Ughtred.”</p> + +<p>“You are too late,” Domiloff cried.</p> + +<p>“Not so,” the Turk answered, pointing through the trees. “The palace +is still a blaze of light.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span></p><p>Domiloff swore softly between his teeth.</p> + +<p>“Do not be so hasty, my friend,” he exclaimed.</p> + +<p>“My country,” Effenden Pasha answered, “is too often the tool of +yours. We are to do the work, and at the last moment—the Bear’s paw. +We are to conquer Theos for Russia.”</p> + +<p>“You are entirely wrong,” Domiloff declared earnestly. “The eventual +possession of the country may become a matter of private treaty +between your Court and mine, but I will give you the word of the Czar +that if for any reason we should desire to occupy it you shall have a +<i>quid pro quo</i>. You shall have a free hand in Asia Minor and a loan.”</p> + +<p>“You will give me pledges of this nature in writing?” Effenden Pascha +asked.</p> + +<p>“Certainly!”</p> + +<p>The Turk walked to the window with a smile.</p> + +<p>“Allah!” he exclaimed. “It will be good to hear once more the guns +roar in the Balkans. We Turks, Domiloff, are a nation of soldiers, and +these long intervals of peace are ill for us.”</p> + +<p>Outside there was a sudden tramp of feet. Into the square filed a +company of soldiers. They halted in front of the house. The two men +exchanged rapid glances.</p> + +<p>“What is this?” the Turk asked, quickly.</p> + +<p>“Heaven knows,” Domiloff answered. “Listen!”</p> + +<p>A thunderous summons at the door; voices in the hall. An officer in +the uniform of the Thetian Guards entered, bearing a letter.</p> + +<p>“To Monsieur Domiloff,” he announced, saluting.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span></p><p>Domiloff opened it without a word. As he read he grew pale to the +lips.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>“<span class="smcap">Sir</span>,—I have the honour to enclose your passport and safe +conduct to the frontier of Theos. I have informed the Czar, +your Imperial master, of the circumstances which render your +further presence in my dominions displeasing to me.</p> + +<p><span class="right"> +(Signed) “<span class="smcap">Ughtred of Tyrnaus</span>,</span><br /> +<span class="right2">“REX.”</span></p></div> + +<p>Domiloff crushed the letter in his fingers.</p> + +<p>“Well, sir?” he said to the officer. “In the morning I will seek an +audience of his Majesty.”</p> + +<p>“I regret, sir,” the officer answered, “that my orders allow me no +latitude whatever. A special train is waiting, and my instructions are +to escort you to the frontier.”</p> + +<p>Domiloff drew the Turk on one side.</p> + +<p>“Listen,” he said, “this is a bold stroke. I half expected it. Ughtred +of Tyrnaus has courage at least. I go straight to St. Petersburg. I +will give pledges of what I have promised to your Minister there.”</p> + +<p>Effenden Pascha bowed. He was most uncomfortable, but there was a +certain pleasure in witnessing the discomfiture of the wily Russian.</p> + +<p>“I shall await your news,” he answered.</p> + +<p>Domiloff and his escort departed. Effenden Pascha at once undressed, +sent for his physician and sought his bed. Before morning Theos knew +of the sudden attack of malignant fever which had most unfortunately +laid hold of him at the moment of starting to attend the reception at +the palace.</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXI" id="CHAPTER_XXI"></a>CHAPTER XXI</h2> + +<p>Ughtred slackened his reins about his horse’s neck, and turning round, +called to Brand, who was sitting a few yards away making some rapid +sketches. The King’s cheeks were flushed with colour, and his eyes +were bright.</p> + +<p>“What do you think of that, Brand?” he asked, proudly.</p> + +<p>He pointed to where a cloud of dust hung round the last company of +galloping Thetians. The roll of the drums and the shrill music of the +fifes still reached them.</p> + +<p>“They are born horsemen, and born soldiers, your Majesty,” Brand +answered, with enthusiasm. “I only wish that there were more of them.”</p> + +<p>Ughtred smiled.</p> + +<p>“The mountains are our chief protection,” he said, with a little wave +of his arm. “The passes through which men could be poured into Theos +are narrow, and for defensive purposes a small, perfectly-trained army +is sometimes as useful as a large one. I am proud of my army, Brand.”</p> + +<p>“You have reason,” Brand answered. “I am even now trying to make +Europe understand what manner of men these are.”</p> + +<p>General Dartnoff came galloping up.</p> + +<p>“If your Majesty will ride now to Pinter’s Pass,” he said, “you will +be able to trace the progress of the attack.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span></p><p>The King and Brand rode off together, followed by his small bodyguard.</p> + +<p>“Your people have said nothing yet about recalling you?” Ughtred +asked.</p> + +<p>“Nothing,” Brand answered. “I think that Theos is still being watched +with interest.”</p> + +<p>“And you yourself?”</p> + +<p>Brand looked straight ahead.</p> + +<p>“I am content here,” he answered. “I shall be sorry to leave.”</p> + +<p>There was the thunder of hoofs on the turf a short distance away, and +Marie of Reist in a white riding-habit and the military cap of the +Thetian Guards galloped past. Her lithe, superb figure was at its +best—she managed her charger with the easy confidence of a born +horsewoman. Ughtred eyed her thoughtfully.</p> + +<p>“There are not many women like that—even in England, Brand,” he +remarked.</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty is quite right,” Brand answered. “The Countess of Reist +is the most beautiful woman whom I have ever seen.”</p> + +<p>Ughtred smiled and looked down into the valley. They reined in their +horses upon a small knoll.</p> + +<p>“I think that I know one who is more beautiful,” the King said, in an +undertone. “I heard this morning from our friends, the Van Dechts, +Brand. They are travelling in Italy, and may come on here.”</p> + +<p>Brand shrugged his shoulders.</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty will find their presence welcome?” he asked.</p> + +<p>The King looked at him in surprise.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span></p><p>“Surely! They are friends of mine. It would give me great pleasure to +have them here. Why not?”</p> + +<p>Brand hesitated.</p> + +<p>“I wondered,” he said, slowly, “if they might not find their presence +here a little equivocal. Your Majesty is no longer a private +individual, and Mr. and Miss Van Decht, however agreeable in +themselves, are not of the rank which entitles them to a familiar +footing at your Court.”</p> + +<p>Ughtred looked at his companion in some surprise.</p> + +<p>“That speech,” he remarked, “might have come from Nicholas of +Reist—from you, my friend, it sounds strangely.”</p> + +<p>“I admit it,” Brand answered. “For myself it is true that I am a +democrat, but then I am only a journalist. I have noticed that the few +nobles who remain in Theos are aristocrats to the backbone. I believe +that you find their principles absolutely rock-bound.”</p> + +<p>The King frowned. His eyes had rested upon Marie of Reist, sitting +upright in her saddle, and watching eagerly for the development of the +sham fight.</p> + +<p>“Well, well,” he said, “we shall see! I wish to see the Van Dechts +here, and it is useless to meet trouble halfway. Be so good, Brand, as +to convey my regards to the Countess of Reist, and suggest that she +join us. Our position is better chosen than hers.”</p> + +<p>Brand cantered over to her side and repeated the message. She rode +with him towards the King.</p> + +<p>“You have been much occupied lately, perhaps,” she said to Brand. “My +brother tells me that you have been invisible.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span></p><p>“I have been busy,” he answered. “Perhaps because of my small share in +events here, I have become wonderfully interested in Theos. I have +been making excursions in all directions. I want to understand many +things which are hard for a stranger to form a right idea of.”</p> + +<p>She smiled.</p> + +<p>“Then why do you not come to me?” she said. “I can tell you very much +about Theos. I can tell you about the country people, and how they +live. Did I not ask you to come, Mr. Brand? You are very ungallant.”</p> + +<p>He met a glance from her dark eyes, and his pale cheeks were suddenly +flushed.</p> + +<p>“You were good enough to say that you would receive me,” he answered. +“If I may come, then, I will.”</p> + +<p>“My brother has shown me in the English papers some of the things +which you have written about Theos,” she continued. “I cannot tell you +what pleasure they gave me. It is a wonderful gift, yours, Mr. Brand. +When one reads one seems to see a picture of the whole place. You have +written wonderfully of your adventures here.”</p> + +<p>“And yet,” he said, in a low tone, “the adventure here which was most +interesting to me, which I shall never forget so long as I live, I +have not written about at all. It is for the memory only.”</p> + +<p>Again their eyes met. He was very bold, this Englishman. Yet though +her eyebrows were slightly raised she did not rebuke him.</p> + +<p>“I think, perhaps,” she said, “that we had better obey the royal +command.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span></p><p>She touched her horse with the whip, and they galloped up the +hillside. Ughtred watched them closely as they rode up. He made room +for Marie by his side. Brand had perforce to fall behind. They talked +together eagerly of the manœuvres. The girl was thoroughly well +versed in the situation.</p> + +<p>“I believe from the south,” she said, “that Theos is unassailable. If +only we had more heavy guns for the passes.”</p> + +<p>“You have seen the new battery?” Ughtred asked.</p> + +<p>She nodded.</p> + +<p>“Yes. The Maxims are wonderful.”</p> + +<p>“I am expecting,” he said, “that the donor will be paying us a visit +here soon.”</p> + +<p>She looked up inquiringly.</p> + +<p>“An American was it not?”</p> + +<p>“An American and his daughter, Mr. and Miss Van Decht. If they come I +hope that I may count upon you, Countess, to help me make their visit +an enjoyable one.”</p> + +<p>“I will do all that I can,” she answered, coldly. “I have never met +any Americans. They must be wonderful people. In England they are +intermarrying, is it not so, with the aristocracy?”</p> + +<p>“There have been many such marriages,” Ughtred assented.</p> + +<p>“It is the worst of England,” she murmured. “A great nation, but +indeed a nation of shopkeepers. Amongst the nobles, the pride of race +seems to have died out. The fear of poverty is to them as the fear of +death. Ah, see.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span></p><p>Through the pass below was a sudden movement. Little puffs of smoke +burst out all over the hillside. General Dartnoff and his staff came +galloping up.</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty,” he said, saluting, “I shall ask for your +congratulations on behalf of Colonel Bushnieff. The attacking force +have been entrapped into the pass, and are now subject to a terrible +cross-fire. Bushnieff’s guns are so placed that every one of them is +effectual. I go to give the award. The defending force have easily +triumphed.”</p> + +<p>“I will come with you,” the King answered.</p> + +<p>Brand drew back to let them pass. Marie also lingered. In a moment +they were alone. He turned to her.</p> + +<p>“You are coming?” he asked.</p> + +<p>“I think not. I am tired. My servants are below. I shall return to +Theos.”</p> + +<p>Brand hesitated.</p> + +<p>“My horse is lame,” he remarked.</p> + +<p>“I do not wonder at it,” she answered. “You have been galloping about +without choosing your way.”</p> + +<p>“I too am tired,” he continued, thoughtfully.</p> + +<p>Her lips parted.</p> + +<p>“I shall be glad of your escort, Mr. Brand.”</p> + +<p>They rode slowly across the open country in the waning day. Before +them on the hilltop were the grey towers and the piled-up houses of +Theos, a picturesque medley with their red roofs and white fronts now +fast becoming blurred in the gathering twilight. As they neared the +road a sudden waft of perfume from the lavender-fields beyond filled +the air, and a breath of <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span>wind came sweeping through the yellow +corn-fields. Brand, with his hat in his hand, looked thoughtfully +about him.</p> + +<p>“I think,” he said, “that no man could be born here who would not die +for such a country as this. I believe that I am beginning to +understand what patriotism might be.”</p> + +<p>Her face lit up in a moment.</p> + +<p>“It is beautiful,” she said, “to hear you say that. I wish, Mr. +Brand,” she added, softly, “that it were your country too. Then we +should be sure of one good patriot.”</p> + +<p>“I think,” he said, “that if trouble came to Theos I should be proud +to reckon myself amongst her sons. I have never seen country people +like yours. I have ridden into the furthest parts, and wherever I have +seen men and women I have heard singing. I have been greeted like a +friend. I have been offered bread and wine before I could even +dismount. How they toil, too. No wonder the soil is fruitful.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, it is good to hear you talk like this,” she cried, with a sudden +little burst of passion. “The love of my country is in my blood—it is +part of me. I could not live if Theos were dishonoured, and lately +there have been so many sorrows. I seem to have found myself +listening, and over the land there has been silence, no longer the +whistling of the men and the singing of women. It has been as though +something terrible has always been about to happen. It is a fancy, of +course. Nicholas laughs at me. It is foolish! But the love of Theos is +more to me than the love of life. I fear for <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span>her when for myself I +have no fear. Tell me, Mr. Brand, this seems strange talk to you.”</p> + +<p>“I know Theos, and I know you,” he answered. “I understand.”</p> + +<p>She did not speak again for some time, but he saw that her eyes were +full of tears, and he kept his face turned from her. When at last they +passed into the city she spoke to him softly.</p> + +<p>“I am indeed very foolish,” she said, “but just now I am anxious. +Theos seems to have made for herself new enemies. The coming of +Ughtred of Tyrnaus has provoked Russia, and it is the one country +which I fear most. You will come and see me soon, Mr. Brand?”</p> + +<p>He bowed over the hand which she held half-shyly out. It was not a +form of greeting in which she often indulged.</p> + +<p>“I will surely come,” he answered.</p> + +<p>He left her at the Reist house and rode slowly towards his own +quarters. Already the streets were lined with people awaiting the +return of the King and the troops. Torches were waved hither and +thither. In the open space in front of the palace a huge bonfire had +been lit. Everywhere was the pleasant murmur of cheerful voices. +Further down the street they were singing in a low rhythmical chant +the National Anthem. Now the King was in sight, and a roar of voices +welcomed him. The front of the palace blazed out in a fire of +illuminations, a shower of rockets shrieked upwards from the park. The +King was coming. Long live the King!</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXII" id="CHAPTER_XXII"></a>CHAPTER XXII</h2> + +<p>Sara Van Decht leaned back in her basket-chair and looked across the +cobbled street, across the trim square where the miniature fountain +was playing, to where a cluster of red-roofed, white-fronted houses +were huddled together in picturesque confusion.</p> + +<p>“Well, I think it’s delightful!” she exclaimed. “I never could have +imagined anything so picturesque—or so restful.”</p> + +<p>Mr. Van Decht scratched his chin thoughtfully and selected a cigar +from his case.</p> + +<p>“It is restful,” he admitted. “I can’t say that I’m quite accustomed +to taking my meals upon the pavement, even under an awning, and there +is an odour of garlic about the hotel which I don’t altogether relish. +I grant you that it is restful, though! There’s no denying that!”</p> + +<p>The girl laughed softly.</p> + +<p>“Poor old dad,” she exclaimed. “I guess it’s selfish of me to drag you +all across Europe to this little bit of a country, but I couldn’t help +it a bit. I positively must see Ughtred with a crown on his head and a +sceptre in his hand before we go back. It’s too delicious. Now I +wonder how we ought to let him know that we are here.”</p> + +<p>“Telephone!”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span></p><p>She laughed again—laughed till the tears stood in her eyes.</p> + +<p>“Father, you must try to be more mediæval,” she exclaimed. “Fancy +ringing up a king!”</p> + +<p>“Send a boy round with a note then,” he suggested, “or shall I stroll +round to the palace and let them know? I’d just as soon. It’s only a +few minutes’ walk.”</p> + +<p>“I will write,” she decided, “but there is no hurry. We will go out +for a walk presently and look at these dear, quaint little shops. +There are heaps of things I want to buy.”</p> + +<p>Mr. Van Decht rose suddenly from his chair.</p> + +<p>“Jehosophat!” he cried. “What’s that?”</p> + +<p>It was a horse-car, old-fashioned, rickety, with canvas awnings, drawn +wearily along by an aged horse. Mr. Van Decht eyed it with vast +curiosity.</p> + +<p>“Jehosophat,” he repeated. “I’d like to take that whole affair right +back with us and sell it to the first dime museum that’d give the +price. Look at the bonnet on the horse’s head, Sara, and the bell! My, +how she bumps! I must have a talk with your King, Sara. My +number-three installation is what is wanted here with overhead wires +and forty Cambridge wagons. With cheap labour and water transport I +guess it would be a light contract. I’m going to board the next that +comes along, Sara, and get the thing into my head.”</p> + +<p>“The streets look very narrow and hilly for cars, father.”</p> + +<p>“Guess the whole place wants straightening out a bit,” Mr. Van Decht +admitted. “If your King wants <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span>to make this place go, Sara, he’s got +to imbibe a few Western notions, and the sooner the better.”</p> + +<p>“You shall talk to him,” Sara remarked, with a little smile at the +corner of her lips. “I am sure that he will be interested.”</p> + +<p>“I guess I can give him some ideas,” Mr. Van Decht remarked, puffing +vigorously at his cigar. “You’d better write that note, Sara.”</p> + +<p>“In a moment, father. It’s so fascinating to watch these country +people with their baskets. Look! There is something you can’t beat in +New York, anyhow.”</p> + +<p>Up the steep, narrow road came a company of horse-soldiers—a gay +sight—in flashing helmets, plumes, and the soft blue uniform of the +Thetian Guards. A band up at the palace played them in. The people +rushed to the right and to the left, lined the pavements and shouted a +greeting. Then suddenly every head was uncovered, and a little +respectful murmur rippled through the crowd.</p> + +<p>“The King! Long live the King!”</p> + +<p>Sara rose eagerly from her place at the table. They were virtually +upon the pavement—a little extended near the hotel and dotted about +with tiny round tables. It was Ughtred who rode at the head of the +little troop of soldiers, and suddenly their eyes met. A sharp word of +command broke from his lips. He dismounted and crossed the street +towards them, drawing off his heavy white gloves as he came.</p> + +<p>“Welcome!” he cried. “Welcome to Theos.”</p> + +<p>He took Sara’s hands in his and held them tightly.</p> + +<p>“This,” he said, “is charming of you. One moment!”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span></p><p>He beckoned to the officer who had been riding by his side, and gave a +few brief orders. The troop passed on. Reist and a younger man in dark +riding-clothes remained.</p> + +<p>“If you will allow me,” Ughtred said, “I will take a cup of coffee +with you. There is a garden here, I believe.”</p> + +<p>The hotel proprietor came hurrying out. Reist explained what was +required. They made their way into a semi-public garden, which was +instantly cleared of chance loiterers. A table was set in a shady +corner.</p> + +<p>“Mr. Van Decht,” Ughtred said, “I must shake hands with you. You are +most welcome. I appreciate your coming here immensely.”</p> + +<p>“My daughter,” Mr. Van Decht explained, “has been set upon this trip +ever since your friend Brand began his letters upon Theos in the +<i>Daily Courier</i>. They have been very widely read, sir. We must +congratulate you upon having taken hold of your kingdom so firmly.”</p> + +<p>“You are very good,” Ughtred answered. “Brand has been a God-send to +us. The position here has been fairly represented to England, and, in +fact, Europe, through his reports. He, too, will be delighted to see +you again. Miss Van Decht, you must allow me to present Captain +Hartzan of the Artillery—the Duke of Reist you already know. Now, +when did you arrive?”</p> + +<p>“Last night,” Sara answered. “That dear little train of yours brought +us from the frontier. We scarcely expected to see you so soon.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span></p><p>“It is my great good-fortune,” Ughtred answered. “I go every morning +to the fortifications to direct the artillery practice. The Van Decht +battery has been in action this morning,” he added, smiling.</p> + +<p>“I presume, sir, that this is a warlike country!” Mr. Van Decht +remarked.</p> + +<p>A shadow crept over the King’s face.</p> + +<p>“It is not our choice,” he answered. “We are surrounded by dangerous +enemies, and we are a very small nation. Our security depends solely +upon our readiness to resist attack. For these last two months I have +had to forget that I am a King, and remember only that I am +Commander-in-Chief of our little army.”</p> + +<p>“I presume that you are not anticipating any immediate trouble, sir?” +Mr. Van Decht asked.</p> + +<p>The King glanced round. Already he was learning the lesson of caution.</p> + +<p>“The history of Theos,” he said, “is doubtless unknown to you. Turkey +is our old and historic enemy, and her attitude towards us just now +is, to say the least of it, threatening. We trust to our +inoffensiveness and the good-will of the Powers to preserve our +independence, but we judge it best to be prepared so far as possible +to fight our own battles. Well, Crasten, what are you bringing us?”</p> + +<p>The hotel proprietor bowed low, and filled some finely-cut glasses +with liqueur from a dusty and carefully cradled bottle.</p> + +<p>“The fin champagne, your Majesty, was brought from the cellars of +Louis Philippe by my father. I trust your Majesty will approve.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span></p><p>Ughtred sipped it, and did approve. He accepted some coffee also, and +broke a roll in his fingers.</p> + +<p>“This is my longest fast,” he explained, laughing. “We ride out at six +to escape the heat. Part of my afternoon I spend at the barracks and +part at the House of Laws.”</p> + +<p>“It appears to me, sir, that you find pretty considerable to do,” Mr. +Van Decht remarked. “I’d an idea that royalty had an easier time of +it.”</p> + +<p>“A good many people share that idea, Mr. Van Decht,” Ughtred answered, +good-humouredly. “For myself, I never worked half so hard in all my +life. But then, it is work I love, and for my country, which is very +dear to me. Some day I hope, when things are more settled, to be able +to drop the military part of my labours, and give all my attention to +the development of my country.”</p> + +<p>Mr. Van Decht nodded. He was greatly enjoying the fin champagne.</p> + +<p>“You’re right there, sir,” he declared. “Make a nation strong +commercially, and she’ll hold her own in time against the world. I +guess you’re a travelled man, sir, and you won’t mind a stranger +remarking that in some ways you’re a little behind the times here.”</p> + +<p>Sara’s eyes twinkled with amusement. The young officer, who understood +a little English, glanced at Reist, and was speechless.</p> + +<p>“You mustn’t mind father,” Sara exclaimed. “You know he’s a terrible +democrat, and utilitarian to the backbone. He’s dying to introduce +electric cars here and electric light.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span></p><p>“Why, you want them bad enough,” her father admitted. “I don’t suppose +we’ve a town of half the size in the States where we haven’t both, and +this a capital city too.”</p> + +<p>“Mr. Van Decht is quite right,” Ughtred said, gravely, “only one has +always to remember that this is a very poor country, and we can’t +afford to pay for luxuries.”</p> + +<p>“I guess those cars would pay for themselves before long, sir,” Mr. +Van Decht declared.</p> + +<p>“It is very likely,” Ughtred answered. “I’m sure that if any +capitalist were disposed to undertake the commercial part of it, there +would be very little difficulty about the concession.”</p> + +<p>Mr. Van Decht rose up briskly.</p> + +<p>“If you’ll excuse me, sir,” he said, “I guess I’ll hail that bobby +hutch and go the round.”</p> + +<p>The King laughed.</p> + +<p>“You are a man of business, Mr. Van Decht,” he said. “Certainly, go +and help yourself to all the information you can. Sara, if you will +come up with me I will show you the palace. I am afraid there is +nothing there to interest your father, but he will have many +opportunities of seeing it. Reist, will you see if the carriage has +come?”</p> + +<p>For a moment they were alone.</p> + +<p>They looked into one another’s eyes, and Sara laughed softly.</p> + +<p>“Why, this is just the queerest thing in the world,” she murmured. +“What will happen to me at the palace if I forget to say ‘your +Majesty,’ and ought I to curtsey when I speak to you?”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span></p><p>Ughtred smiled back at her.</p> + +<p>“I believe,” he said, “that you ought to kiss—my hand.”</p> + +<p>“Then I guess I won’t,” she answered. “I believe I’m democrat enough +to expect——”</p> + +<p>“What?”</p> + +<p>He leaned over towards her, but the sentence was never finished. Reist +stood before them, and the look on his face was a forecast of coming +trouble.</p> + +<p>“The carriage is here, your Majesty!” he announced.</p> + +<p><a name="illo2" id="illo2"></a></p> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 335px;"><img src="images/i165.jpg" class="ispace" width="335" height="500" +alt="“‘I BELIEVE,’ HE SAID, ‘THAT YOU OUGHT TO KISS—MY +HAND.’”" title="" /><br /> +<span class="caption">“‘I BELIEVE,’ HE SAID, ‘THAT YOU OUGHT TO KISS—MY +HAND.’”</span></div> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXIII"></a>CHAPTER XXIII</h2> + +<p>“What do I think of Theos?” Sara repeated. “I think it must be the +lost paradise of the lotus-eaters. It does not seem possible for +anything ever to happen here.”</p> + +<p>Ughtred laughed.</p> + +<p>“We share the primitive passions with the rest of mankind,” he assured +her. “We know what it is to be excited, even to be rowdy. The wear and +tear of life perhaps touches us more lightly than in your Western +cities. You see we are a rural people.”</p> + +<p>“Miss Van Decht,” Reist remarked dryly, “misses perhaps the clang of +the electric cars and the factory sirens.”</p> + +<p>“It is the proverbial peace of the city amongst the mountains,” +Ughtred said. “Yet if you listen you can hear the murmur of voices in +the <i>cafés</i>, and there is a band playing in the square.”</p> + +<p>“It is all—delightful,” Sara declared. “Only I wonder that you find +it possible to take life seriously here.”</p> + +<p>They were sitting out on the great stone balcony behind the +palace—Ughtred, Reist, and Marie, Mr. Van Decht and Sara. A servant +in spotless white livery had silently arranged coffee and liqueur in +strange-looking bottles upon a table already laden with fruit. Below +them were the terraced lawns leading to the river, dotted <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span>with dark +fir-trees and flowering shrubs—beyond the red roofs and white fronts +of many villas, in the distance the blue mountains. The King and Sara +Van Decht were sitting side by side. Marie, unusually taciturn, leaned +back in her chair, listening and watching with half-closed eyes.</p> + +<p>Ughtred lit a fresh cigarette, and smoked for a moment thoughtfully.</p> + +<p>“I can assure you,” he said, “that life is, in its way, as complex a +thing here as in the greater cities. The people are very poor, and how +to raise money enough to develop the country and pay our way without +undue taxation is a very serious problem indeed. Then you must not +forget that we live always in the shadow of a great danger.”</p> + +<p>Sara looked at him inquiringly. He pointed southwards to the +mountains.</p> + +<p>“Beyond there,” he said, “is Turkey, and Turkey is our eternal enemy. +Even now there are strained relations between us. Night and day our +watchmen guard the passes. There have been rumours lately of an +impending raid upon our frontier villages.”</p> + +<p>Sara listened with rapt attention.</p> + +<p>“How fascinating. It really sounds quite mediæval.”</p> + +<p>“We are mediæval in more ways than one,” he continued. “Our standing +army consists of barely one thousand men, but in case of war the whole +of our male population would take up arms. Every man must fight +himself for his home and his native land. If you can spare the time +here we will go to some of the more distant <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span>villages, and you will +see the Saturday drill. I am rather proud of my military system.”</p> + +<p>She looked across at her father.</p> + +<p>“He is so restless,” she said. “I can never tell how long he will +stand any one place. Just at present he talks as though he were +disposed to settle down here for the rest of his life.”</p> + +<p>Marie leaned forward. Her face gleamed pale in the twilight, her tone +was almost openly contemptuous.</p> + +<p>“Away from the electric cars, and sirens, and all the delights of your +Western cities?”</p> + +<p>Sara nodded gravely.</p> + +<p>“Yes! Away even from the Paris edition of the <i>New York Herald</i>. But +then, my father, you know, is terribly mercenary. I believe he thinks +that there is scope for the capitalist here.”</p> + +<p>“Your father is quite right then,” Ughtred answered, smiling. “Try and +persuade him to give the place a trial. It is supposed, you know, to +be the healthiest spot in Europe.”</p> + +<p>“Why, I’m in no hurry to leave, and that’s a fact,” Mr. Van Decht +admitted. “I’ve an appointment with the manager of your cars here +to-morrow, and if we do business I guess I’ll have to stop.”</p> + +<p>Sara laughed softly.</p> + +<p>“That’s just like father!” she exclaimed. “Wherever he goes and finds +horse-cars he wants to either buy the company out or put in his own +system of electric cars. I’m afraid you think we’re very commercial, +don’t you, Countess?”</p> + +<p>“Oh, no,” Marie answered, coldly. “One rather <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span>expects that, you know, +from your nation. It is very interesting. I must confess, though, that +I do not wish to see electric cars in the streets of Theos.”</p> + +<p>“And why not, young lady?” Mr. Van Decht inquired.</p> + +<p>“Because I love my old city too well to wish to see her modernized and +made hideous,” Marie answered. “It is scarcely a feeling with which +one could expect strangers to sympathize; but there are many others +besides myself who would feel the same way.”</p> + +<p>Mr. Van Decht nodded.</p> + +<p>“Is that so? Well, nowadays the countries who place the picturesque +before the useful are very few and far between. I guess it’s as well +for the community at large that it is so. You would scarcely call that +broken-down old omnibus, dragged along by a lame mule, a credit to +Theos or a particularly picturesque survival.”</p> + +<p>Marie shrugged her shoulders, and dismissed the subject with a little +gesture of contempt. Mr. Van Decht waited for a minute, and then, as +she remained silent, continued—</p> + +<p>“A country which neglects the laws of progress is not a country which +can ever hope for prosperity. Don’t you agree with me, sir?” he asked +the King.</p> + +<p>Ughtred nodded.</p> + +<p>“I am afraid that I do,” he admitted. “Theos, with its vineyards and +hand-ploughs, its simple hill-folk and its quaint village towns, is, +from an artistic point of view, delightful. Yet I am bound to admit +that for the sake of its children and the unborn generations, I would +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span>rather see factory chimneys in its valleys and mine shafts in the +hills. The people are poor, and so long as we have to import +everything we use and wear, we must get poorer and poorer. The country +is productive enough. We have minerals and a wonderful soil. What we +need is capital and enterprise.”</p> + +<p>Marie shuddered.</p> + +<p>“And you are a Tyrnaus!” she murmured, with a sidelong glance of +reproach.</p> + +<p>“It is my fortune,” he said, “good or bad, to know more of the world +outside than those who came before me. Please God, I am going to leave +Theos a richer and happier country when my days here are spent. If we +are spared from war I shall do it.”</p> + +<p>“In future,” Marie said, “I shall dread war less. I begin to see that +there are other evil things.”</p> + +<p>She rose and bowed slightly to the King.</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty will excuse me,” she said. “I find the air a little +cold.”</p> + +<p>She passed down the terrace steps, her maid a few yards behind. A +certain reserve fell upon the others.</p> + +<p>“I am afraid,” Sara said to Nicholas of Reist, “that your sister does +not approve of me.”</p> + +<p>He hesitated.</p> + +<p>“Marie,” he said, “is passionately faithful to all the traditions of +our family and our race. This is a conservative country, and no one +more so than she. I myself am in close sympathy with her. Yet my +reason tells me that we are both wrong. Our peasantry are finding +already the struggle for existence a severe one—a single failure in +the crops would mean a famine. It <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span>has occurred to me, Mr. Van Decht, +that the advice of a man of affairs such as yourself may be very +useful to us.”</p> + +<p>Ughtred rose up.</p> + +<p>“You shall talk progress together,” he said, “while I show Miss Van +Decht my pictures.”</p> + +<hr class="medium" /> + +<p>Marie held the note in her fingers, looking at it doubtfully. It was +addressed to her, thrust secretly into her maid’s hand by a stranger +in the crush outside the palace gates. At least that was the girl’s +story. She tore it open.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>“You are a patriot, the sister of Nicholas of Reist, and the +King’s friend. By you he may be warned. The American woman +who with her father has come to Theos, was betrothed to him +in London. She has come to claim her position. The people of +Theos will never accept as their queen a woman of humble +birth, the child of tradespeople. Let the King be warned.”</p></div> + +<p>She tore the note into a thousand pieces, and walked restlessly up and +down the great room. Her eyes were lit with fire, and a scarlet spot +burned in her cheeks.</p> + +<p>“Oh, if he should dare,” she murmured. “If he should dare!”</p> + +<p>She stopped abruptly before the picture of Rudolph. The flickering +light of fifty wax candles from the huge silver candelabra on the +oaken table lit up the dull canvas. It was Ughtred himself who looked +down at her.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span></p><p>“Queen of Theos!” she murmured. “Why not? We have drunk together from +the King’s cup.”</p> + +<p>“Countess!”</p> + +<p>She turned quickly round. Brand had come silently into the room.</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXIV"></a>CHAPTER XXIV</h2> + +<p>“You!”</p> + +<p>Her surprised interjection recalled to him for the first time the hour +and the strangeness of his visit. Yet he attempted little in the way +of excuse.</p> + +<p>“I may stay five minutes,” he begged. “You are alone?”</p> + +<p>“It is very late,” she murmured.</p> + +<p>He pointed out of the great window at the far end of the room.</p> + +<p>“Your brother is attending the King. If he should return—well, mine +is no idle errand. I can justify my coming, even at this hour.”</p> + +<p>Then she noticed that he was not dressed for the evening, that he was +pale, and that there was trouble in his eyes. She led him into a +smaller room, pushed open a window, and beckoned him to follow her +down the worn grey steps into the gardens.</p> + +<p>“This is my favourite corner,” she said. “Beyond are the flower +gardens, and the air here at night is always sweet. You shall sit with +me, my friend, and you shall tell me what it is that brings you with +this look of trouble in your face.”</p> + +<p>His eyes remained fixed upon her with a sudden passionate wistfulness. +She was very sweet and gracious, and her slow speech seemed to him +more musical than ever. So he sat by her side, and a little sea of +white <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span>satin and lace and soft draperies covered up all the space +between them, for it had been a State dinner at the palace, and he +found speech very difficult.</p> + +<p>“Now this is restful and very pleasant,” she said, after a long pause. +“But you must tell me why you have come. It was not by chance—to see +me? But no? You spoke also of my brother.”</p> + +<p>Her eyes sought his—a spice of coquetry in their questioning gleam. +But the cloud lingered upon his face.</p> + +<p>“I would not have dared to come at such an hour,” he said, “if my +visit were an ordinary one.”</p> + +<p>“How very unenterprising,” she murmured. “I am sure that this is much +the pleasantest time of the day.”</p> + +<p>“Countess,” he said, slowly, “is Baron Domiloff a friend of yours?”</p> + +<p>“Of mine? But no. Why do you ask such a question?”</p> + +<p>“He has been banished from Theos. Did you know that he was hiding +still in the city?”</p> + +<p>She shook her head slowly.</p> + +<p>“I know nothing,” she answered. “How strange that you should ask me.”</p> + +<p>“Is it not true, then,” he continued, “that you and he and your +brother are plotting against the King?”</p> + +<p>She regarded him with uplifted eyebrows. Then she patted him gently on +the arm with her fan.</p> + +<p>“It is the moon, my friend,” she declared. “A little brief frenzy, is +it not?”</p> + +<p>His tone recovered confidence. He breathed a sigh of relief.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span></p><p>“The man lied to me,” he declared. “Now I will tell you just what has +happened to me. You know that I have a room in the Theba Place. Well, +to-night, as I was about to prepare for dinner, a messenger, a native +Thetian he seemed to me, brought a note to my rooms. It was neither +signed nor addressed. But it bade me follow the bearer without +question if I would be of service to Theos.”</p> + +<p>“You went?” she asked.</p> + +<p>“Of course,” he answered, quickly. “If the summons was genuine, well +and good—if it was false, I still wanted to know the meaning of it.”</p> + +<p>“And which was it?” she asked.</p> + +<p>“Genuine enough,” he answered, gravely. “I was led into a quarter of +Theos where I have never been before, and which I am sure I could not +find again. We arrived at a little <i>café</i>—I do not know the name—it +was somewhere outside the walls. A man was waiting for me in a back +room. He was disguised, but I recognized him at once. It was +Domiloff!”</p> + +<p>She started. Instinctively he felt that she was deeply interested.</p> + +<p>“At first I thought that it was a trap—that Domiloff was preparing +some revenge for my personation of the King. Soon, however, I learnt +that his intention was a different one. He is concerned in a plot to +dethrone the King, and he proposed that I should throw in my lot with +his party.”</p> + +<p>“Did he tell you, then, that Nicholas and I were concerned in it?”</p> + +<p>“No. From his point of view your cooperation as <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span>yet was unnecessary. +Yet the whole thing is concerned with you and your brother, for +Domiloff has named him as the future ruler of Theos. He offered to +give me positive evidence that Russia has decided to remove Ughtred +from the throne, that Theos itself is in deadly peril.”</p> + +<p>“There is one thing,” she said, “which I do not quite understand. Why +did Domiloff send for you? You are not a soldier, nor are you +well-known to the Thetians.”</p> + +<p>“It is very simple,” he answered. “To-day the Press has an immense +influence upon public opinion in England and all the Western +countries. I am writing for my paper in England a series of articles +upon Theos, and I am writing from a point of view friendly to Ughtred +of Tyrnaus. Domiloff wants these articles stopped. He professes to +need my active help. What he really desires is that I write no more, +or alter the tone of my letters.”</p> + +<p>Her satin slipper traced a mystic pattern upon the smooth green turf.</p> + +<p>“These are two things,” she said, “which I do not understand. The +Baron Domiloff has repute as a cunning and very shrewd diplomatist. +Did he ask you for no pledge that you would not speak of these things +to the King?”</p> + +<p>Brand shook his head.</p> + +<p>“It would have been useless,” he answered. “I think that he knew quite +well that I should give no such pledge. That is what makes me believe +that the matter is serious. He is so sure of coming events that +failing <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span>my joining with him he expressed himself as indifferent as to +what my course of action might be. There was only one condition he +made before I left—and that one I agreed to.”</p> + +<p>She looked at him inquiringly.</p> + +<p>“It was that I should come to you—before I went to the King.”</p> + +<p>Their eyes met. In that single luminous moment he learned that these +things came at least as no surprise to her. He seemed even to divine +something of that desire which had eaten its way into her heart.</p> + +<p>“To me!” she murmured. “Well?”</p> + +<p>“Countess,” he said, gravely, “for myself there is but one course of +action possible. I came here as the friend of Ughtred of Tyrnaus. I am +bound to his cause by every tie of honour, as well as my own +sympathies. Before the morning I shall have told him all that I have +told you.”</p> + +<p>Her fan fluttered idly in her fingers. She remained silent, but he had +a fancy that a shadow had fallen between them.</p> + +<p>“Domiloff sent me to you,” he continued. “What does that mean?”</p> + +<p>She shook her head.</p> + +<p>“The ways of Baron Domiloff,” she said, “are not easy to understand.”</p> + +<p>“Are you and your brother concerned in this—plot?” he asked, gravely.</p> + +<p>“My brother,” she said, “would, I believe, shoot you if you asked him +such a question. It is only a few months ago that he himself brought +Ughtred of Tyrnaus <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span>here. Nicholas has too little ambition. He is a +patriot, pure and simple.”</p> + +<p>“And you—yourself?” he asked.</p> + +<p>“I have had no dealings with Baron Domiloff,” she answered, “but I +think that he knows my views. I do not love the family of Tyrnaus, and +I do not think that Ughtred had any claim to the throne of Theos. His +father and grandfather misgoverned the country, and estranged all the +nobility, who were the backbone of the State. We alone are left, and +if Ughtred should marry the daughter of this American tradesman we, +too, must become exiles.”</p> + +<p>“But you would not stoop,” he murmured, “to plot against the King?”</p> + +<p>“It is not necessary,” she answered. “I believe that what you have +been told is true. I believe that Russia will not tolerate Ughtred of +Tyrnaus. My friend,” she added, in a softer tone, “why do you concern +yourself in these things? Leave Domiloff alone, and, believe me, your +warning to the King would be wasted. Stay here, and watch for the +things which may happen. Do you remember what we talked about that +night at the palace? The times are coming—wait, and your opportunity +may also show itself. Who knows that your own future may not become +linked with the future of Theos?”</p> + +<p>She leaned over towards him, her hand fell upon his shoulder, and its +touch, though light, was like a caress. Then Brand understood that +this was temptation, for his whole being quivered with the delight of +her softened tone, and the unspoken things which trembled <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span>there and +shone from her eyes. In truth, she, too, was thinking of the moment +when she had believed him to be the King.</p> + +<p>“Dear lady,” he said, almost pleadingly, “I would be content to live +all my days in Theos if——”</p> + +<p>He hesitated. A wonderful smile curved her lips, and her eyes were +full of invitation. Yet he hesitated.</p> + +<p>“For a brave man,” she murmured, “you are very—very faint-hearted.”</p> + +<p>Whereupon he took her into his arms, and kissed her.</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXV" id="CHAPTER_XXV"></a>CHAPTER XXV</h2> + +<p>It chanced that a brilliant autumn brought a season of great +prosperity to the Thetian wine-growers and farmers, and the year of +Ughtred’s accession to the throne seemed likely to be marked with a +white stone in their annals. Never had a ruler been more popular with +all classes. His military system, while it made no undue demands upon +the people, provoked the admiration of Europe, and several important +and successful industrial undertakings were due entirely to his +instigation. Mr. Van Decht, fascinated by the climate, the primitive +but delightful life, and a firm believer in the possibilities of the +country, still lingered in the capital, and already the results of his +large investments were beginning to be felt. Only a few people knew of +the hidden danger which was ever brooding over the land—a danger +which Ughtred had realized from the first, and which from the first he +had set himself steadfastly to avert. A soldier himself, he knew +something of the horrors of war. Nothing seemed to him more awful than +the vision of this beautiful country blackened and devastated, her +corn-fields soaked with blood, her pleasant pastoral life swept away +in the grim struggle against an only partially-civilized enemy. He set +himself passionately to work to strive for peace.</p> + +<p>Reist came to him one evening straight from the House of Laws with a +suggestion.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span></p><p>“Your Majesty,” he said, “the people are asking for a queen.”</p> + +<p>Ughtred laughed.</p> + +<p>“I’m sorry I can’t oblige them off-hand,” he answered.</p> + +<p>“Has your Majesty never thought of an alliance through marriage with +one of the Powers? Not a direct alliance, perhaps, but one which might +be useful to us if the worst should come.”</p> + +<p>Ughtred shook his head.</p> + +<p>“A dream, my friend,” he answered. “There is only one country in the +world who could help us, and I fear an English princess would be +beyond our wildest dreams. Friendship with Russia is more to be +dreaded than her open enmity. France has no royal family, and is bound +up with Russia. Germany and Austria are tied.”</p> + +<p>“Your marriage has been spoken of, sire,” Reist said slowly. “I have +promised to convey to the House your views. A queen would be very +popular.”</p> + +<p>“I am not prepared at present to make any announcement upon the +subject,” Ughtred answered.</p> + +<p>“I should not hesitate at any sacrifice which the safety or benefit of +Theos seemed to require. At present there is no question of anything +of the sort.”</p> + +<p>Reist bowed, and abandoned the subject. But late that night he sought +his sister. She was sitting on the stone balcony which led from her +own suite of rooms, her elbow upon the worn balustrade, her clear, +beautiful face clouded with thought. For the first time Nicholas +noticed a change in her. She was thinner, and there <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span>were dark lines +under her eyes. A vague trouble was in her eyes.</p> + +<p>“Marie,” he said, “you have not been to the palace lately.”</p> + +<p>“No.”</p> + +<p>“Tell me why.”</p> + +<p>She turned slowly towards him.</p> + +<p>“Need you ask! I hate that American girl. She is always there. She +monopolizes everything. I wish to Heaven that she would go away.”</p> + +<p>Reist came a little closer. His voice dropped.</p> + +<p>“Has he spoken?”</p> + +<p>“You know that he has not.”</p> + +<p>The face of the man was stern and grey—even as the face of one musing +upon evil things.</p> + +<p>“To-night,” he said, “I gave him every opportunity. By all ancient +laws and customs he is your betrothed—and he knows it. Yet he +persists in this uncompromising silence. The difficulty remains only +with himself.”</p> + +<p>She drew nearer to him.</p> + +<p>“It is an insult to our house,” she murmured. “I am glad that you have +spoken to me of this, Nicholas. It is unbearable!”</p> + +<p>“You are right,” he admitted. “You have been patient, Marie, and so +have I. The time has come to end it.”</p> + +<p>She laid her slender fingers upon his arm. Slenderer than ever they +seemed to him now, and unbejewelled save for one great emerald set in +dull gold which burned upon her fourth finger.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span></p><p>“What can you do, Nicholas? You know the meaning of it all. It is the +coming of Sara Van Decht.”</p> + +<p>He nodded thoughtfully.</p> + +<p>“I myself,” he said, “have watched—and seen. But, Marie, the daughter +of a tradesman, though he were rich enough to buy a kingdom, can never +sit upon the throne of Theos.”</p> + +<p>“He is masterful,” she said, “and I think that he cares for her. He +will have his own way.”</p> + +<p>Reist was wearing his uniform, for there had been a reception at the +Austrian Minister’s. As though by accident he touched the hilt of his +sword.</p> + +<p>“Our honour is engaged, Marie,” he said. “You may safely leave all in +my hands.”</p> + +<p>“He is your King!” she reminded him, with a sidelong glance, as though +anxious to watch the effect of her words.</p> + +<p>“And I,” he answered, hotly, “am Nicholas, Duke of Reist. Since when, +Marie, have the men of Tyrnaus reached a pinnacle when the Reists +could not address them as equals? Our quarterings are more numerous, +our House is more ancient than theirs. Ughtred of Tyrnaus must answer +to me as would any other gentleman of his rank if the time should come +when our honour demands it.”</p> + +<p>“Those are brave words, my brother!” she said.</p> + +<p>“You do not doubt me, Marie?”</p> + +<p>She shook her head.</p> + +<p>“I do not doubt you, Nicholas, only——”</p> + +<p>“Well?”</p> + +<p>“There was a time when the throne was yours, when <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span>the people would +have shouted you King. You let it go by. You pointed there! Tell me, +Nicholas, is it forever this waiting?”</p> + +<p>Her forefinger was raised to that carved motto. Nicholas remained for +a moment lost in thought.</p> + +<p>“Marie,” he said, presently. “I will tell you the truth. I did not +give Ughtred of Tyrnaus credit for such gifts as he has shown. I +wanted the principle of monarchy reestablished, and it was best to +revert to the royal house. Then I found that he was a better man than +I had thought, and an alliance with you would have reconciled me to +his reign. Now—I must admit—I am doubtful.”</p> + +<p>She remained for a moment lost in thought. Had the time come when she +might speak? He detested Domiloff and all his ways—at heart, too, the +good of Theos was far dearer to him than any personal ambition.</p> + +<p>“Nicholas, you say that you are doubtful. I have a feeling that before +long the King will announce his intention of marrying Sara Van Decht. +Will you remain even then his faithful servant?”</p> + +<p>The scorn in her tone first stung, then moved him to wonder.</p> + +<p>“You do not love the King, Marie!” he exclaimed.</p> + +<p>“Love him! Nicholas, it is better that there should be now a clear +understanding of things between us. I am a Countess of Reist, and I +have been slighted by an adventurer—a man who but for you would even +now have been living in poverty in a foreign land. I would not marry +him though he begged me with tears in his eyes, to save his throne, to +save his life.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span></p><p>He walked restlessly up and down. His own pride had been wounded +bitterly. Marie was right.</p> + +<p>“I am willing,” she continued, “to endure this affront if it seems to +you that your duty to Theos still bids you hold by the King! But there +is one thing to which I will not submit. I will not bow the knee to +this American girl if he should make her Queen. Nor in that case will +I suffer you, Nicholas, to remain the King’s counsellor.”</p> + +<p>“Nor will I!” he answered.</p> + +<p>“Promise me one thing more, my brother!” she begged. “If again we +should hear that cry ringing through the squares, promise me that you +will not fail them. We have had enough of strangers in Theos. It is +those who have lived here all their lives, to whom every stone of the +place is dear, who should control her destinies.”</p> + +<p>“I am the faithful servant of Ughtred of Tyrnaus,” he answered, +slowly, “while he serves the State wisely and well. But if that should +come to pass which we have spoken of, the evil must fall upon his own +head. Listen!”</p> + +<p>There was some commotion without. A servant threw open the door.</p> + +<p>“His Majesty the King!”</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXVI" id="CHAPTER_XXVI"></a>CHAPTER XXVI</h2> + +<p>The King followed hard upon the footsteps of his seneschal, and +neither Reist nor Marie was wholly at ease in the first moments of +greeting. It was the latter to whom the King addressed himself.</p> + +<p>“My visit, Countess,” he said, “is to you. I am fortunate in finding +you at home.”</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty is very kind!” Marie answered.</p> + +<p>“I have come,” he continued, “to demand an explanation from you—or +rather to beg for it. You have been absent from all our gatherings at +the palace lately. I came to assure myself that we had not unwittingly +offended you, or to ask you how we can render them sufficiently +attractive to insure your presence.”</p> + +<p>Marie was taken unawares both by the King’s visit and by the +directness of his questioning. It was Nicholas who answered for her.</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty,” he said, “my sister does not enjoy the best of health. +I was even now endeavouring to persuade her to spend a few weeks at +the castle. The mountain air is always good for her.”</p> + +<p>“Your sister’s appearance, then,” the King replied, “much belies her +condition. I have never seen her looking better.”</p> + +<p>“Nevertheless, my brother is right, your Majesty,” Marie said. “I have +decided to leave Theos for a while.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span></p><p>The King bowed.</p> + +<p>“It is not amongst my prerogatives to question the movements of my +subjects,” he said, gravely, “but you must forgive me if I remember +that you and your brother are my earliest and best friends here. I +shall venture to ask you therefore if ill-health is your only reason +for desiring to absent yourself from the Court?”</p> + +<p>Nicholas intervened. He rose and held back the curtains which led into +another suite of rooms. Marie understood, and with a quick courtesy +rose from her seat.</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty,” Nicholas said, “with your permission I will return +your candour. The subject is one which we can best discuss in my +sister’s absence.”</p> + +<p>Marie passed out. Nicholas let fall the curtains.</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty,” he said, “only a short while ago, as your counsellor, +and as one who has the interests of Theos greatly at heart, I ventured +to allude to a somewhat delicate subject—to your marriage.”</p> + +<p>The King nodded.</p> + +<p>“Well?”</p> + +<p>“I must take the liberty of reminding your Majesty of your first visit +here on your arrival at Theos. We drank wine together in this room, +the Royal betrothal cup was filled for you, and notwithstanding my +remonstrances, at your particular desire my sister drank with you from +that cup. Its history and associations were known to you.”</p> + +<p>The King rose up.</p> + +<p>“But——”</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty will permit me,” Reist interrupted. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span>“It was doubtless +an act of thoughtless good-nature on your part, but we Thetians hold +fast by our old traditions, and regard them as sacred things. The news +of this leaked out, and the marriage of your Majesty and the Countess +of Reist has been freely talked of throughout the State. Your Majesty +will perceive, therefore, that my sister’s position at Court naturally +became a trying one, especially as her rank entitles her always to the +place by your side.”</p> + +<p>Ughtred was silent for several moments. A frown of perplexity spread +itself over his face.</p> + +<p>“Reist,” he said slowly, “your sister is very charming, and I have a +great admiration for her. Yet I must admit this. The idea which you +have suggested is an altogether new one to me. I did not, for one +moment, imagine that she or you or any one would attach any +significance to what I looked upon at the time as a harmless little +ceremony.”</p> + +<p>Reist bowed low.</p> + +<p>“To the people of Theos,” he said, “these ancient customs are sacred. +Your Majesty will permit me to proceed. There is a further development +which has also a bearing upon the situation. I refer to the advent of +Mr. and Miss Van Decht.”</p> + +<p>The King raised his eyebrows.</p> + +<p>“And how does this matter concern,” he asked, “my very good friends, +the Van Dechts?”</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty,” Nicholas answered, “has admitted them, considering +their position, or I should say their lack of position, to a somewhat +surprising familiarity. This too has given rise to much comment in the +city. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span>Miss Van Decht is a very beautiful young woman, and your +Majesty has treated her publicly with great consideration, almost as +an equal. Your Majesty must bear with our prejudices. This is not a +democratic country. We hold by our rank and its obligations, and we do +not consider an American retired tradesman and his daughter people +whom we can meet habitually on terms of equality—even at the Court of +the King.”</p> + +<p>Ughtred rose from his chair, and his mouth was set and grim.</p> + +<p>“I am obliged to you for your frankness, Nicholas,” he said. “I will +endeavour to return it. Mr. Van Decht and his daughter are my very +good friends, and their position at my Court is that of valued and +welcome associates. It seems to me that whom the King can treat as +equals his nobles may endure as companions. But in any case I desire +to say this to you and to the aristocracy of Theos, whose opinions you +doubtless express. In the matter of my friends, as in the matter of +taking a wife when the time may come, I do not permit any +interference, and if any be offered I shall resent it. Further, if any +stay away from my Court for such reasons as you have hinted at I shall +esteem their absence a personal affront. Am I understood?”</p> + +<p>Reist bowed in cold silence. The King took a quick step towards him +and laid his hand upon his arm.</p> + +<p>“Nicholas,” he said, “don’t let me lose a good friend—you to whom I +owe my kingdom. Remember that I am a man as well as a King. I did not +promise to become a machine when I took the coronation oaths. I <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span>have +my likes and my dislikes—as you have. Bear with me a little.”</p> + +<p>Reist hesitated. There entered a messenger for the King.</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty,” he announced, “the Englishman Brand, is at the palace. +He desires an immediate audience.”</p> + +<p>Ughtred took up his cloak.</p> + +<p>“I fear that it is ill news,” he said. “Follow me, Reist.”</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXVII" id="CHAPTER_XXVII"></a>CHAPTER XXVII</h2> + +<p>“Your Majesty——”</p> + +<p>The King waved his hand.</p> + +<p>“You can leave that out, Brand. Speak to me plainly. You look as +though you had something important to say.”</p> + +<p>“I have indeed!” Brand answered.</p> + +<p>He glanced around cautiously. They were in the chamber used for +meetings of the Privy Council—a great room with stained glass +windows, fluted pillars supporting a vaulted roof, stone walls, with +here and there a covering of tapestry. A collection of ancient arms +was hung over the great chimneypiece. In the centre of the floor stood +a round table of solid oak. A bad room for confidences this, in which +the slightest whisper awoke curious echoes. The King noticed Brand’s +hesitation, and divined its cause.</p> + +<p>“Come this way, Brand,” he directed. “Reist is close behind. He will +keep out all intruders.”</p> + +<p>They passed into the King’s private study, a small octagonal room on +the ground floor of one of the towers. The King threw himself into an +easy-chair, and pointed towards another, but Brand remained standing.</p> + +<p>“Well?”</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty, the kingdom of Theos is in danger!”</p> + +<p>“I know it,” the King answered, calmly. “There are <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span>traitors in the +city itself. I have felt sure of it for some time.”</p> + +<p>“The danger is urgent!”</p> + +<p>“Go on.”</p> + +<p>“I have acquired a good deal of information during the last few days,” +Brand said. “Some of it has come through a source which I may not +reveal—piecemeal, and in disconnected fragments. You will have to +take a good deal on trust.”</p> + +<p>“I believe in you, Brand.”</p> + +<p>“First of all, then,” Brand said, “you are aware of what has been +going on in the Press all over Europe, in Russia, Germany, and +France?”</p> + +<p>The King nodded.</p> + +<p>“A widespread conspiracy,” he said, “to vilify me and my methods and +my government. I have been represented to Europe as a harebrained, +scheming, military adventurer, idle, worthless, a drunkard, and heaps +of other things. I know it, Brand. I know another thing, too. I know +that one paper in England, through thick and thin, has been my friend. +I do not deserve all the good which it has spoken of me. On the other +hand, I shall always regard as one of my best friends the man who had +the pluck to try and stem the tide.”</p> + +<p>The slender fingers of the journalist found themselves suddenly within +the brown, sinewy hand of the King. There was an instant’s silence—a +man’s silence. Then Brand continued—</p> + +<p>“Mr. Ellis, our Minister there, is your friend, but he is a weak, +colourless creature, and he gives no weight or point to his reports. +He tries hard to be honest, but he <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span>is wofully under the influence of +the others. And the others——”</p> + +<p>“I know,” the King interrupted. “Austria, Germany, and Russia have +come to a secret understanding, and somehow I fancy that Turkey is +involved in it. But what pretext they can find for movement against +me, or from what quarter I am to expect the aggression I cannot say.”</p> + +<p>“It is what I have just discovered,” Brand said.</p> + +<p>The King’s eyes flashed. He was a brave man, but the cloud of doubt +had been stupefying. It was this knowledge for which he craved.</p> + +<p>“It is Russia who is the moving spirit,” Brand continued.</p> + +<p>“Russia, of course,” the King exclaimed, bitterly. “An independent +Theos has always been against her policy. She debauched the Republic, +she tried—as you well know, Brand—to make my accession a virtual +Russian protectorate.”</p> + +<p>“And, further,” Brand said, “she has actually in London stooped to +this. Our paper has been approached by an agent of the Russian +government with a view to purchasing a cessation of our support of +you. I myself, your Majesty, feel myself deeply to blame. Weeks ago I +could have warned you that Domiloff was still in the capital plotting +against you. I kept silent. I beg that you will not ask me why. The +news which has brought me here now has come by cipher telegram from my +chief. A secret treaty has been signed between Russia and Turkey. The +terms I do not know, but Turkey is left free to attack you at once, +and she is already moving troops and guns to the frontier.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span></p><p>“Germany?” Ughtred asked, quickly.</p> + +<p>“Is pledged to neutrality—also Austria. The only European country +which has not come to terms with Russia is England.”</p> + +<p>The King rose from his chair, and walked restlessly up and down the +room. His eyes were flashing, and the lines about his mouth were hard +and bitter.</p> + +<p>“It’s a brave game—politics,” he cried. “To-day we read our ancient +history, and thank the gods for civilization. It’s a huge fraud, +Brand. What they did in those days with fire and the sword they do +to-day by craft and secret treaties, by falsehood and deceit. It’s a +world of rapine still. It is only the methods which have changed—and +changed for the worse.”</p> + +<p>Brand nodded slowly.</p> + +<p>“Listen,” he said. “My chief has had an interview with one of our +Cabinet Ministers. He has listened to all he had to say, and I believe +that the state of affairs here will be fairly represented to the +English Government. But, to be frank, I am afraid there will be no +intervention from England. She may sympathize, but she will not deem +her interests sufficiently involved to interfere.”</p> + +<p>“Have you any idea,” Ughtred asked, “when there will be any movement +on the part of Turkey, and what the <i>casus belli</i> will be?”</p> + +<p>“The blow may be struck at any moment,” Brand answered. “I am afraid +my warning comes too late to afford you time for preparations.”</p> + +<p>The King smiled.</p> + +<p>“I am not a child, my dear Brand,” he said. “Sooner <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span>or later I felt +that the thing must come, and instinct seemed to tell me from what +quarter. I will let you into a secret, my friend. If the Turks raid my +three frontier villages they may possibly find themselves a little +surprised.”</p> + +<p>A smile illumined Brand’s serious face.</p> + +<p>“You’ll make a fight for it, then?” he asked, eagerly.</p> + +<p>Ughtred rose up. His eyes were lit with inward fire, and in his tone +there trembled a note of splendid passion.</p> + +<p>“A fight for it! Ay, we shall fight in such a way, my friend, that all +Europe shall hide her face, and feel the shame of the carnage and +misery for which her miserable selfishness is responsible. There is +one thing about my people, Brand, which is divine, and, thank God, it +is in my own blood, too, notwithstanding my years of exile. We love +our country, our hills and mountains, our corn-fields and vineyards, +our villages and our queer old towns. It’s a wonderful love, Brand, +and I don’t believe you highly-civilized people in your rich, +smoke-stained Western countries know what it means. I tell you it’s a +passion here. We Thetians love our country as we love our womenkind. +The footstep of the invader is seduction—when it comes there will be +lit such a fire of passionate hate from the Balkans to the northern +frontier that only death or victory will quench. You will see them +come to arms, Brand, these children of mine, whom God protect, young +and old, boys and their grandfathers! A fight for it, did you say? I +promise you, man, that if this blow falls, and we are conquered, you +shall come here afterwards, and you shall find an empty country, a +blackened chaos of ruins.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span></p><p>An answering flash of enthusiasm lit up Brand’s face for a moment. But +the man was practical to the core.</p> + +<p>“What number of trained men can you rely upon?” he asked.</p> + +<p>“Fifteen thousand,” the King answered. “I know every village company. +Every regiment I have drilled myself. They have old Martinis, but they +are born shots, and born horsemen. Lately, too, we have gone through a +course of carbine instruction. I could put five thousand mounted +infantry into the field who could surprise you.”</p> + +<p>“And artillery?”</p> + +<p>The King groaned.</p> + +<p>“We have done what we could,” he answered, “but as for heavy guns, we +have none. Listen, I will give you a sketch of my idea for defending +the Balkans.”</p> + +<p>The King talked quickly and clearly. There was no more trace of the +enthusiast, nor, indeed, did he betray again during all the anxious +days to come that more passionate side of the man which Brand’s few +words seemed to have quickened into life. He talked now as the cool +and skilful strategist. Brand, who was something of an amateur soldier +himself, listened with keen interest.</p> + +<p>“And you?” the King asked at last.</p> + +<p>Brand smiled.</p> + +<p>“I am here to see that the things which are coming are fairly reported +from one quarter, at least,” he answered. “I am going to stay, and if +the trouble comes I am correspondent for the <i>New York Herald</i>, as +well as the <i>Daily Courier</i>.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span></p><p>“That is very good news,” the King said. “England and America are the +champions of freedom throughout the world. I have fought for England, +and if this wrong is done to me I shall appeal to her for justice.”</p> + +<p>A knock at the door. A young officer on the King’s staff saluted.</p> + +<p>“His Excellency the Turkish Ambassador craves the privilege of an +immediate audience,” he announced.</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXVIII" id="CHAPTER_XXVIII"></a>CHAPTER XXVIII</h2> + +<p>Effenden Pascha was breathless, and for such a phlegmatic individual +seemed to be much disturbed.</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty,” he said, “I am here on a serious errand.”</p> + +<p>The King bowed.</p> + +<p>“Proceed, Effenden Pascha.”</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty has heard the news from Bekal?”</p> + +<p>Ughtred shook his head.</p> + +<p>“I have heard nothing!”</p> + +<p>The Turk raised his hands. It was incredible!</p> + +<p>“Yesterday,” he announced, “a party of my Turks riding harmlessly +along the frontier were attacked without warning by a large company of +mounted Thetians, and cut to pieces.”</p> + +<p>“It is amazing,” the King declared. “Was no provocation given? Were +the Turks unarmed?”</p> + +<p>Effenden Pascha was clear on both points. They were simply a party of +surveyors accompanied by a few soldiers. They were set upon without +the slightest warning.</p> + +<p>“It is strange,” the King remarked, “that I should have heard nothing +of this. It is stranger still, Effenden Pascha, that in my own capital +you should first have received tidings of such gravity.”</p> + +<p>The yellow-skinned Turk did not flinch. He bore the thrust without the +least sign of disquietude.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span></p><p>“I myself,” he announced, “heard only by telegrams from Bekal ten +minutes ago. One of the survivors galloped post-haste thither +immediately after the affair. I have hastened to present the demands +of my master the Sultan.”</p> + +<p>“You lose no time,” Ughtred remarked, quietly.</p> + +<p>The Turk shrugged his shoulders.</p> + +<p>“The affair is of great importance,” he said. “My master will demand +the execution of capital punishment upon all the leaders, and an +indemnity of ten million piastres.”</p> + +<p>“Your august master,” Ughtred remarked, “has lost no time in +formulating his demands. My reply to you is this. Immediately I learn +the details of the affair I will consider your proposal.”</p> + +<p>The Ambassador, who had remained standing, bowed.</p> + +<p>“That is to say,” he remarked, softly, “that at present you decline to +offer me my satisfaction or to discuss the matter with me.”</p> + +<p>“Exactly,” Ughtred answered. “If the affair turns out according to +your telegram I shall at once offer to you my profound regrets, and +such reparation as is within my power. I will communicate with you +directly I hear.”</p> + +<p>The Ambassador bowed once more, and there was a steely glint in his +eyes.</p> + +<p>“I fear,” he said, “that the delay will not be pleasing to my august +master!”</p> + +<p>“It is unavoidable,” the King answered. “You agree with me, Brand?”</p> + +<p>Brand, who had been sitting in the alcove before a <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span>writing-table +hidden by a curtain, looked out and assented gravely.</p> + +<p>“Most certainly, your Majesty.”</p> + +<p>The Turk started. His eyes flashed.</p> + +<p>“So!” he exclaimed. “We have been overheard.”</p> + +<p>“Mr. Brand is an Englishman of distinction,” the King said, softly. “I +have appointed him for the present my private secretary. All affairs +of State, therefore, are known to him.”</p> + +<p>The Turk bowed low. It was no fool, after all, then, with whom he had +to do. He went out thoughtfully. The presence of the Englishman had +impressed him. In the council room he passed the Duke of Reist +hurrying through to the presence of the King.</p> + +<p>“Effenden Pascha,” he said, “will you wait for a moment. A dispatch +has arrived concerning which the King will desire to see you at once.”</p> + +<p>Effenden Pascha smiled, and took a chair in the ante-room beyond. He +smoked a cigarette thoughtfully, and drank the coffee which a groom of +the chambers hastened to bring him. In ten minutes Reist reappeared.</p> + +<p>“Will you come with me?” he said.</p> + +<p>Effenden Pascha threw down his cigarette, and followed.</p> + +<p>The King had moved into the Council Chamber, and sat at the table with +an open telegraph dispatch before him. Baron Doxis, the President of +the House of Laws, was on one side of him, and Brand on the other. +Effenden Pascha knew very well what was coming. The King looked at +him, and there was an added sense of power in the grave, soldierly +face.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span></p><p>“Effenden Pascha, we too have received a telegram from Bekal. Its +contents are briefly these. Bekal, an unfortified village of Theos, +was last night attacked by a large armed body of Turks, who proceeded +to rob, murder, and outrage in the most barbarous fashion. My regard, +however, for the safety of my frontier towns has led me lately to +station bodies of mounted troops within signalling distance of Bekal, +and my dispatch informs me that in the fight which followed your +troops were driven across the frontier with heavy losses. You will +see, Effenden Pascha, that my report and yours differ.”</p> + +<p>The Turk smiled incredulously. The reports most certainly did differ.</p> + +<p>“Now,” the King continued, “if your report is the true one, I will +hold myself responsible for all the evil that has been done. If, on +the other hand, mine is true, I shall at once formulate demands which +I shall request you to lay before your august master. Now, I invite +you, in order that the truth may be placed beyond doubt, to accompany +an envoy from this court to Bekal by special train to-day, and there +agree as to what has really happened.”</p> + +<p>Effenden Pascha shrugged his shoulders.</p> + +<p>“I must await the instructions of my master, your Majesty,” he +answered, calmly.</p> + +<p>“You decline his Majesty’s proposal, then?” Reist asked quietly.</p> + +<p>The Turk was silent. The meddlesome Englishman’s pen was in the ink. +His presence was disastrous.</p> + +<p>“I do not decline—no,” he answered. “I await <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span>only a dispatch from +Constantinople. I fear that your intelligence department is at fault. +There has been no foray on the part of the Turks. My master desires +peace above all things.”</p> + +<p>Ughtred smiled.</p> + +<p>“You say that your master desires peace above all things,” he said. +“Let me see what our intelligence department has to say. Since the day +of my accession to the throne you have concentrated within twenty +miles of my frontier nearly thirty thousand men. Day by day this work +of moving up troops has been going on. Last week trains were running +all night to Bekal with war material and arms. What does this mean, +Effenden Pascha?”</p> + +<p>The Turk was dumfounded. The King’s gaze was keen and close. He +visibly faltered.</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty’s intelligence department has magnified a few harmless +movements of troops,” he said. “We have internal troubles in the +northern provinces which require strong garrisons.”</p> + +<p>“But not thirty thousand men, Effenden Pascha,” the King said.</p> + +<p>The Turk bowed.</p> + +<p>“With your permission,” he said, “I will now go and lay before the +Sultan, my master, your explanation of the Bekal incident.”</p> + +<p>“We shall ourselves,” the King answered, “be requiring an explanation +of that unprovoked attack upon our territory.”</p> + +<p>The Turk bowed and withdrew. The three men were left alone.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span></p><p>“The situation is fairly clear, I think,” the King said. “Turkey is to +be Russia’s catspaw—we are to be the chestnuts. One great point is in +our favour. The onus of an unprovoked invasion must rest with Turkey. +Brand will see the facts correctly stated in the English and American +papers. We had better send to the barracks at once, Reist, for the +General, and hold a council of war.”</p> + +<p>There followed an hour’s anxious consultation. Then the King, without +any attendant, as was his custom, left the Palace by the side +entrance, and amidst the respectful salutations of the passers by +walked across to the villa which Mr. Van Decht had rented. Mr. Van +Decht and Sara were sitting in the garden. He accepted the chair they +offered him, and lit a cigar mechanically.</p> + +<p>“Mr. Van Decht,” he said, abruptly, “I regret exceedingly that I have +encouraged you to make investments in my country. I did it for the +best. It was for the advantage of my people, and I hoped for yours. I +told you of the one risk. I fear that it has come to pass.”</p> + +<p>Mr. Van Decht was unmoved. Sara turned upon him breathlessly.</p> + +<p>“Do you mean war?” she exclaimed.</p> + +<p>He nodded.</p> + +<p>“It seems that our great neighbours,” he said, “resent our +independence. Our chief enemy is Russia. In pursuance, I am convinced, +of a secret understanding with her, Turkey is on the point of +declaring war upon us.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span></p><p>“Then all I can say is that it is a darned shame,” Mr. Van Decht +declared, hotly. “Don’t you trouble yourself about my investments. If +the Turks disturb my property I guess my country will know how to make +them pay. Your Majesty, those Turks must be whipped.”</p> + +<p>“While we’ve a yard to stand upon or a man to fight we shall do our +best. I have been a soldier, as you know, all my life, and I have no +sentimental hatred of war. But my country—ah well, it is so different +when it is your own people who are going to die upon their homesteads, +your own womenkind who must go sorrowing through life widowed and +orphaned. I don’t suppose there is anything particularly beautiful +about Theos,” the King continued, thoughtfully, “yet to me her quiet +country places, her vineyards and farms, her whole rural life has +seemed so simple and charming. I have seen my people at their play and +at their daily tasks, a cheerful, honest people, light-hearted and +fond of pleasure perhaps—why not? The thought of a blackened country, +her vineyards and corn-fields red with blood, the homesteads in +flames, my poor peasants fighting to the death against cruel odds—it +is hideous! I do not dare to think of it or it will unman me. Only I +pray to the God of our fathers that this thing will not seem just to +the great liberty-loving nations and that they will not see us wiped +out from the face of the earth.”</p> + +<p>There was a moment’s silence. Mr. Van Decht was smoking vigorously. +Sara was silent, because she did not dare to speak. But her eyes were +eloquent. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span>Ughtred threw away his cigar which had gone out, and lit +another.</p> + +<p>“Come,” he said, “I am getting an old woman. We must take the more +cheerful view of things. I came to you at once, because I wanted to +give you as much notice as possible.”</p> + +<p>“What do you mean?” Sara asked, softly.</p> + +<p>“I mean that of course you must go away,” Ughtred answered. “I cannot +tell how long the railway communication will remain uninterrupted. Mr. +Van Decht——”</p> + +<p>He turned round and broke off in his speech. Mr. Van Decht had +disappeared. Sara and he were alone.</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIX" id="CHAPTER_XXIX"></a>CHAPTER XXIX</h2> + +<p>Ughtred was, on the whole, a man ill versed in women’s ways. Yet even +he was conscious of a subtle change in the girl who sat by his side. +The frank friendliness of her manner towards him, which had been a +constant barrier against any suggestion of more sentimental relations, +was for the moment gone. Her eyes were soft and her face was eloquent +with beautiful and unspoken sympathy. The change was indefinable, but +apparent. Ughtred felt it, and sighed.</p> + +<p>“This may be the last talk we shall have together for a long time,” he +said, gravely; “perhaps forever. I wonder if I might be permitted—to +say something, which has come very near my heart lately.”</p> + +<p>“You may say anything you choose,” she murmured.</p> + +<p>“You know that lately I have been travelling about my country—trying +to get to know my people and to understand them. I will tell you, +Sara, what has made the greatest impression upon me. It is their +beautiful domesticity. I think that it has taught me to understand a +little how much fuller and sweeter life may be when one has a wife to +care for, and to help one. And, Sara, I think that I too have been +often lonely, and I too have needed a wife.”</p> + +<p>“Yes!”</p> + +<p>It was no more than a whisper, but it thrilled the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span>man. He touched +her fingers—warm and soft, they seemed almost to invite his caress.</p> + +<p>“Sara, I have been dreaming since then, and I thought that when my +people got to understand me a little more, to trust me and believe in +me, I would go to them and say ‘I am going to give you a Queen. Only I +am a man as you are men, and I must choose as you have chosen, the one +woman who has my heart.’ And, Sara, there might have been +difficulties, but I think that we should have smoothed them away——”</p> + +<p>“If!” she echoed.</p> + +<p>“If the woman I love, Sara, cared a little for me.”</p> + +<p>It was dusk, and Ughtred scarcely knew how it happened, but she was in +his arms and they were very happy. It was dusk then, but the stars +were shining when the cathedral clock reminded him that his +love-making must be brief.</p> + +<p>“Dear,” she murmured, “if you must go, at least remember that you have +made me very happy.”</p> + +<p>“And I,” he answered, cheerfully, “am afraid no longer of anything. I +have become a raving optimist. I feel that if the war comes we shall +sweep the Turks from the face of the earth.”</p> + +<p>She held out her hand and drew him to her.</p> + +<p>“You will not repent?” she murmured. “You ought to marry a princess.”</p> + +<p>He kissed her on the lips.</p> + +<p>“Every woman in the world,” he answered, “is a princess to the man who +loves her. You are my princess. There will never be any other!”</p> + +<p>She walked with him towards the house.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span></p><p>“I ought to have been discussing your departure with Mr. Van Decht, +and instead I have been discussing other things with you.”</p> + +<p>“Discussing what?”</p> + +<p>“Your departure!”</p> + +<p>She laughed softly.</p> + +<p>“Do you think that we are going away?”</p> + +<p>“You must,” he answered, sadly. “Theos may be no safe place for you in +forty-eight hours even.”</p> + +<p>She pressed his arm lightly.</p> + +<p>“Dear,” she said, “you are foolish. If ever I am to be anything to you +and these people what would they think of me if I ran away when evil +times came? But wait! You must hear what father says. He knows nothing +of this.”</p> + +<p>They found him in the room he called his study. He looked up from his +desk as they entered.</p> + +<p>“Father,” Sara said, “the King wants us to leave to-morrow morning. In +forty-eight hours he says the city may be in danger.”</p> + +<p>Mr. Van Decht wheeled round in his recently imported American chair, +and puffed vigorously at his cigar.</p> + +<p>“I wasn’t reckoning upon leaving just yet,” he remarked, quietly. +“Were you, Sara?”</p> + +<p>“No!”</p> + +<p>Ughtred looked from one to the other.</p> + +<p>“I am afraid you don’t quite understand the situation, Mr. Van Decht. +I do not think it probable of course, but it is possible that the city +may be surrounded in less than a week.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span></p><p>Mr. Van Decht nodded.</p> + +<p>“I guess it isn’t quite so bad as that,” he answered. “In any case, +I’d like you to understand this. We’ve had a pretty good time here, +and we haven’t any idea of scuttling out just because things aren’t +exactly booming. I’ve a tidy idea of engineering, and I think I can +show you a wrinkle or two in trench-making. Then there’s another +thing—you’ll allow a man’s a right to do what he pleases with his own +money?”</p> + +<p>“Why, I suppose so,” Ughtred answered.</p> + +<p>“Well, I’m not given to bragging,” Mr. Van Decht continued, “but I +reckon I’m one of the richest men in the States. Accordingly, as I’m +sort of a resident here I claim the right to help the war fund. I’ve +put a million to your credit at the Credit Lyonnaise, and if more’s +wanted—there’s plenty. I don’t want any thanks; I don’t mind telling +you that I’d give a lot more to see those low-down skunks get the +whipping they deserve.”</p> + +<p>Ughtred was for a moment speechless. It was Sara who replied for him.</p> + +<p>“We are very much obliged, father,” she said, smiling at him. “You +don’t mind, do you?”</p> + +<p>He looked from one to the other. He did not affect any surprise, but +his face was grave.</p> + +<p>“Sara has promised that some day if we are spared she will be my +wife,” Ughtred said, simply. “I hope that you will consent.”</p> + +<p>Mr. Van Decht nodded thoughtfully.</p> + +<p>“I had an idea,” he said, hesitatingly, “that you would be not exactly +a free agent in such a matter.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span></p><p>Ughtred smiled.</p> + +<p>“My kingdom is a tiny one,” he answered, “and I do not think after a +while that there will be any difficulty at all.”</p> + +<p>Mr. Van Decht rose from his chair and shook hands solemnly with the +young man.</p> + +<p>“I wasn’t reckoning upon having a King for a son-in-law,” he said, +“but I know a man when I see him, and if it works out to be possible +you can take my consent for granted. Sara is the daughter of plain +people with no family to boast of, but I tell you this, sir, I am a +man with few wants, and I will give Sara the largest dowry that has +ever been given by prince or commoner. I reckon I’m worth five million +pounds, and I’ll settle four and a half upon her. Theos wants money, +and that may take things a bit smoother in case of trouble.”</p> + +<p>“You are magnificently generous, sir!” Ughtred answered. “I am afraid +that nowadays a bride with such a dowry would rank above princesses.”</p> + +<p>The cathedral clock chimed again. Ughtred tore himself away. Reist met +him at the door, his eyes blazing with excitement.</p> + +<p>“Effenden Pascha has left the city!” he exclaimed. “The Turks are +streaming over the frontier—Bushnieff has wired for reinforcements.”</p> + +<p>“The supply trains are waiting?” Ughtred asked, quickly.</p> + +<p>“With steam up!”</p> + +<p>“Your carriage quickly. To the barracks!” Ughtred exclaimed.</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXX" id="CHAPTER_XXX"></a>CHAPTER XXX</h2> + +<p>All night long the war-beacons of Theos reddened the sky and the +thunder of artillery woke strange echoes amongst the mountains. There +were three passes only through which the Turks could force their way +into the fertile plain which stretched from Theos southwards, and each +one, to their surprise, was found well guarded and fortified. A +simultaneous advance was repulsed with heavy loss. At Solika only, on +the far east, where the veteran General Kolashin was in command, the +first position was carried, but this temporary success was +counterbalanced by the immense losses inflicted on the advancing +columns from the second and more secure line of fortifications. Across +the plain a light railway from Theos all night long brought +reinforcements and stores to the different positions. Ughtred himself, +by means of an engine and fast horses, visited before daybreak the +three points of attack. He was present and himself directed the +successful resistance at Solika. He returned to Theos at daybreak +hopeful, and even with a certain sense of relief that the worst had +now come to pass.</p> + +<p>Still in his uniform, stained with blood and dust, the King sat at a +small writing-table in his retiring-room reading the day’s letters and +telegrams. Already he had been busy with tongue and pen. His appeal +for intervention, couched in dignified and measured terms, had <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</a></span>been +written, signed, and dispatched by special messenger to England, +France, and Germany. For Ughtred had a very keen sense of proportion. +Courageous though he was, and confident in the bravery of his people, +he knew that his resistance unaided could only be a matter of time.</p> + +<p>Hiram Van Decht, now a privileged person at the palace, came in to him +as he sat there.</p> + +<p>“I guess you don’t want to be bothered just now,” he remarked, +apologetically, “but Sara’s bound to know how things have gone so +far.”</p> + +<p>Ughtred wheeled round in his chair and welcomed his visitor.</p> + +<p>“Cigars at your elbow,” he said. “Help yourself.”</p> + +<p>Van Decht disregarded the invitation. He looked steadily at the King. +Then he rang the bell.</p> + +<p>“You’ll forgive the liberty, I know,” he said, “but I’m going to tell +that flunkey of yours to fetch a flask of wine, and see you drink +some.”</p> + +<p>Ughtred smiled.</p> + +<p>“I was just going to order something,” he said. “I’ve had a hard +night. So far nothing has gone amiss. Our outposts were rushed at +Solika, but our main position was easily held.”</p> + +<p>Van Decht nodded.</p> + +<p>“That’s good! Any fighting at Althea Pass?”</p> + +<p>“We are being heavily shelled there and at Morania, but I consider +that both places are almost impregnable. Solika is where we must +concentrate. You see we have treachery to fear there. It is a frontier +town and full of small Russian traders. Reist is garrisoning the +place, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</a></span>and General Dartnoff is in command of the forces holding the +Pass. Just now everything is quiet. I fancy they are waiting to bring +up more heavy guns.”</p> + +<p>Van Decht lit a cigar meditatively.</p> + +<p>“This is what beats me,” he remarked. “I can never figure out your +European politics, but I should never have thought that England and +Germany would have allowed a small, unoffending country to be overrun +and grabbed by a lot of heathen infidels.”</p> + +<p>Ughtred sighed.</p> + +<p>“It is hard to understand,” he said. “Only you must remember this. +Selfishness is the keynote of international politics, as of many other +things. A single Power is always afraid of moving for fear of +disturbing the balance of nations. Besides, they all know that this is +no war between Turkey and Theos. It is Russia who is pulling the +strings.”</p> + +<p>“That’s all right,” Mr. Van Decht admitted, “but I should say that +you’ve a sort of a claim on England. You’re half an Englishman, +anyway. You’ve fought her battles. She’s big enough to give you a +lift.”</p> + +<p>“If help comes from anywhere,” Ughtred answered, “it will come from +England. I have appealed to the Powers, and to England especially. Mr. +Ellis has already been here, and he is representing my case strongly.”</p> + +<p>Wine was brought in, and food. Ughtred ate little, but smoked a cigar.</p> + +<p>“What’s the next move?” Mr. Van Decht asked.</p> + +<p>“Well, I am waiting now for news from Reist,” the King said. “We are +in telegraphic communication with Solika, and I can get there on my +engine in an <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</a></span>hour. So long as we can hold Solika we are safe, for I +do not think that we can possibly be outflanked. Our whole southern +frontier only extends for forty miles, and there are only two +practicable passes.”</p> + +<p>“Reist anything of a soldier?” Mr. Van Decht asked after a brief +silence.</p> + +<p>“For this sort of work—excellent!” Ughtred answered.</p> + +<p>“You trust him?”</p> + +<p>“As myself. I never knew a man more devoted to his country. It is his +religion! Why do you ask?”</p> + +<p>Van Decht took his cigar from his mouth and regarded it thoughtfully.</p> + +<p>“Sara doesn’t like him!”</p> + +<p>The King laughed.</p> + +<p>“He’s no lady’s man.”</p> + +<p>“Sara has instinct,” her father remarked. “Can’t say I take to him +myself. There’s a kink in the man somewhere.”</p> + +<p>Ughtred smiled.</p> + +<p>“Well, it isn’t in his loyalty or his bravery,” Ughtred answered. “He +is my best soldier, my most capable adviser, and I owe him my +kingdom.”</p> + +<p>Van Decht abandoned the subject.</p> + +<p>“I’ll get along,” he said, rising. “Take my advice. Lie down a bit +till your message comes along. You’re looking pretty bad.”</p> + +<p>Ughtred smiled.</p> + +<p>“The first day of war,” he said, “even on a small scale, is the most +wearing. Later on we shall take things more easily. Only you must +remember, sir, that <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</a></span>it is for the liberty of an ancient kingdom we +fight, not only for our own lives, but for the happiness of unborn +generations. I would sooner see Theos blotted out forever from the map +of Europe and the memory of man than have her exist a vassal state of +Russia.”</p> + +<p>Mr. Van Decht departed in respectful silence. If tradition or +sentiment appealed to him but slightly, he knew an honest man by +instinct, and he was fast drifting into a very close sympathy with his +future son-in-law.</p> + +<p>There came word from Reist within the hour. Ughtred tore open the +envelope and spread out the cipher-book before him.</p> + +<p>“No signs of movement on part of enemy. Scouts report big guns being +mounted on positions commanding ours. Solika restless. Have hung two +spies. General Dartnoff desires council of war this afternoon.”</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXXI" id="CHAPTER_XXXI"></a>CHAPTER XXXI</h2> + +<p>Before the great high window, Marie of Reist watched the red fires +flaring in the mountains and listened to the far-off booming of the +guns. Behind her the room was in darkness, for she had turned out the +lamps to see more clearly into the night. So when a voice at her elbow +roused her she started with a sudden fear.</p> + +<p>“Countess, you hear the war-note yonder! Listen again! Those guns are +sounding the knell of the House of Tyrnaus.”</p> + +<p>She recovered herself—yet she was amazed.</p> + +<p>“Baron Domiloff! What, are you still in Theos?”</p> + +<p>“Still in Theos, Countess. I remain here to the end.”</p> + +<p>“But you were banished,” she exclaimed.</p> + +<p>He smiled inscrutably.</p> + +<p>“Yes,” he answered. “I was banished—by Ughtred of Tyrnaus. Still, as +you see, I remain. To tell you the truth, Countess, it did not seem +worth my while to go—for so short a time.”</p> + +<p>“You must be a master in the art of corruption,” she remarked.</p> + +<p>“Indeed no,” he assured her. “There are a few of my country people in +the city. There are also Thetians who understand that the Tyrnaus +dynasty is only a passing thing.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</a></span></p><p>“I am not so sure,” she answered, “that I agree with you. They say +that he is a skilful and gallant soldier, and we of Theos love brave +men. An hour ago he rode back to the palace, his uniform stained with +dust and blood, and the people cheered him like mad things. They say +that he has driven the Turks back at all points.”</p> + +<p>Domiloff smiled.</p> + +<p>“Dear lady,” he said, “the successes of to-day or to-morrow are of no +account. The Turks are mounting great guns in positions which must +command every point where the Thetians are covering the passes. The +end of it is as certain as a mathematical problem. Before a month has +passed Theos must sue for peace or admit the Turks to the city.”</p> + +<p>“You are very certain.”</p> + +<p>“Warfare to-day,” he answered, “can be determined on mathematical +lines. Bravery is a delightful quality in the abstract, but brave men +are killed as easily as cowards. Tell me, have you spoken with your +brother?”</p> + +<p>“Yes!”</p> + +<p>“He will not consent to this Van Decht alliance?”</p> + +<p>“No!”</p> + +<p>Domiloff smiled.</p> + +<p>“It is good,” he answered. “I think that the time has come when I may +approach him myself.”</p> + +<p>She shook her head.</p> + +<p>“He is wild with the excitement of fighting,” she said. “The King and +he have fought together, and Nicholas speaks of him as a brave comrade +and a <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</a></span>patriot. Last night he wrote to me from Solika, and he spoke of +the King as a brother. For the moment he has forgotten all about the +Van Decht alliance. Take my advice—leave Nicholas alone.”</p> + +<p>Domiloff looked out into the night, frowning and thoughtful.</p> + +<p>“When the tide of battle changes,” he said, “your brother’s enthusiasm +will wane. He will remember the slight upon you—upon his name.”</p> + +<p>She regarded him proudly.</p> + +<p>“It is very seldom,” she remarked, “that you permit me to forget it.”</p> + +<p>He smiled. The sight of his white teeth gleaming in the twilight +filled her with repulsion. The man was like a wolf.</p> + +<p>“Countess,” he said, “I am not a hypocrite. I am pledged to the +deposition of the King, and you are my natural ally, for it is your +brother who must take his place, and you who must prevent the +sacrilege of this proposed marriage. So you see I am open with you. We +are both working towards the same end. Therefore I say, let us work +together.”</p> + +<p>They were silent for a few minutes listening to the distant roar of +the guns, watching the lurid lights which every now and then lit up +with an unholy glare that distant background. Then she turned to him.</p> + +<p>“There is nothing,” she said, “which I can do. Besides, whilst the war +lasts everything else seems small. To see Theos drive back the +infidels and retain her freedom I would be content even to let things +remain, and end my days there in the convent.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</a></span></p><p>He shook his head.</p> + +<p>“Dear lady,” he said, “you were not made for a convent any more than +Sara Van Decht was made for a throne. Try and believe in me a little +more. I, too, desire a free Theos. You are a woman, and you have wit +and courage. Say to yourself this. It is necessary for Theos that your +brother and the King should quarrel. Keep it always in your mind. +Remember that your brother’s anger only slumbers. The King has +insulted you and your House. The whole history of your family could +disclose no such affront tamely borne. Besides, there is your +friend—the Englishman.”</p> + +<p>She turned swiftly upon him.</p> + +<p>“What do you mean?”</p> + +<p>He shrugged his shoulders.</p> + +<p>“Only that I know no man whose future I would believe in more readily +if he were content to settle down in Theos. Your brother could see to +it that it was made worth his while. Tell me—when will you see the +Duke of Reist?”</p> + +<p>“Perhaps to-night,” she answered, straining her eyes through the +darkness. “If all is quiet in Solika he said that he might return for +a few hours.”</p> + +<p>Domiloff nodded.</p> + +<p>“Very well! Remember what I have said to you, Countess. A rupture +between your brother and the King will save Theos. You understand?”</p> + +<p>“Yes,” she answered, in a low tone. “I understand.”</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXXII" id="CHAPTER_XXXII"></a>CHAPTER XXXII</h2> + +<p>Ughtred sprang to his feet. He was half asleep and a little +dazed—wholly bewildered at the apparition which was suddenly sharing +the solitude of his chamber. It was Marie of Reist who stood before +him in a wonderful rose-coloured gown tied loosely around her. She was +paler than he had ever seen her—her eyes bright with purpose—behind +the open panel.</p> + +<p>“You bring news,” he cried. “Do you come from Nicholas?”</p> + +<p>She shook her head.</p> + +<p>“I know nothing of Nicholas,” she answered. “I came to see you.”</p> + +<p>He was speechless. Her visit seemed to him amazing, its object an +enigma.</p> + +<p>“I wished to speak to you alone. Lately it has been impossible. Lock +your door.”</p> + +<p>He obeyed, but he returned to her with a grave face.</p> + +<p>“Marie,” he said, “think for a moment. It is better that I should come +to you. To-morrow——”</p> + +<p>She interrupted him with an impatient gesture. At that moment the roar +of distant artillery was distinctly audible.</p> + +<p>“There may be no to-morrow,” she answered. “It is for the sake of +Theos I have come. You must hear me.”</p> + +<p>“For your own sake, Countess,” he begged, earnestly, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</a></span>“I beg that you +will leave me. At any moment we may be interrupted. Messages are +brought to me continually—and the hour is late.”</p> + +<p>“I am the Countess of Reist,” she answered, proudly, “and the people +of Theos know me. I have come to ask you a question. You must hear me, +and you must answer me.”</p> + +<p>He smiled.</p> + +<p>“You are a little peremptory,” he said. “Never mind! The question?”</p> + +<p>“There have been rumours, your Majesty, of a marriage between you and +the American, Miss Van Decht.”</p> + +<p>He looked across at her in displeased surprise.</p> + +<p>“These are no times for thought or speech of such things,” he +answered.</p> + +<p>She turned upon him with a sudden fierceness. A spot of angry colour +burned in her cheeks.</p> + +<p>“You are wrong,” she exclaimed. “I have come to you resolved to know +the truth. Listen, your Majesty. There are those who say that in your +long exile you have forgotten all that is due to your birth and your +country. They say that you are at heart a democrat. That it is in your +mind to marry this daughter of an American tradesman, to offer her to +the people of Theos as their queen.”</p> + +<p>“It is true,” he answered. “What of it?”</p> + +<p>She looked at him for a moment as though stricken with a sudden blow. +To her the idea was heresy, rank and foul. A storm of indignant +passion swept through her.</p> + +<p>“It is impossible,” she cried, fiercely. “There is not <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[Pg 217]</a></span>a lady of +Theos who would attend your Court. Do you think that I—Marie of +Reist, would kiss the hand of this Van Decht woman—I, or any of the +others? Oh, it is madness.”</p> + +<p>“Countess,” he said, quietly, “we will choose another time for the +discussion of this matter. You must forgive me if I beg that you will +leave me.”</p> + +<p>“Another time,” she answered. “Oh, listen! You depend at this moment +on the loyalty of Theos to defend your throne. Do you believe that you +could command it if this were known? In the mountains the Turks are +gathering a great army, in the city there is treachery. Ah, you start, +but my words are true. If the words which you have spoken to me had +been spoken from the balcony there your throne would have been lost +forever.”</p> + +<p>He looked at her curiously—not altogether unimpressed. Treachery! +What did she mean by that? She moved a step nearer to him. Underneath +her loose gown her bosom rose and fell quickly. Her face was flushed +and her eyes brilliant.</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty,” she said, “do you know that by all the traditions of +Theos you are betrothed to me—that the people of Theos wait day by +day for the announcement?”</p> + +<p>He looked at her in blank amazement. He was bereft of words. Her eyes +flashed fire upon him.</p> + +<p>“It is an insult—this purpose of yours,” she cried. “You and I have +drunk together from the King’s cup. It has been the betrothal ceremony +in the royal House of Theos for generations. You a stranger, who owe +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[Pg 218]</a></span>your very throne to us, have dared to ignore it—you, who propose to +raise to the throne of the most ancient kingdom of Europe a woman of +unknown birth. It is an infamy.”</p> + +<p>“Countess,” he answered, “you know quite well that I was ignorant of +your custom, of the history of that cup.”</p> + +<p>“There are times,” she said, fiercely, “when ignorance is worse than +crime. No man yet, even a king, has lived to break faith with the +House of Reist.”</p> + +<p>He had recovered himself—and he remembered. He addressed her +steadily, yet with a growing coldness in his tone.</p> + +<p>“Is it your wish then, Countess, that I fulfil the obligations which +you say I have incurred?”</p> + +<p>Her face burned, her eyes were lit with fire. He had gained an +advantage. He had made her angry.</p> + +<p>“It is a brutal question,” she cried, “but quickly answered. You know +quite well that if it were so I should not be here. No! I would not +marry you—not even to be Queen of Theos.”</p> + +<p>“Then why——”</p> + +<p>“Oh, but you are blind,” she interrupted, passionately. “You +understand nothing. I repeat that I would not marry you to be Queen of +Theos. I am willing to be your friend. I am willing to forget your +broken pledge. But listen! Theos is the dearest thing on earth to me. +I am jealous for my country, not for myself. I will not have this +tradesman’s daughter Queen of Theos. Do you think that I, Marie of +Reist, would follow her from the room, would bend my knee to her, +would call her Queen? It is madness inconceivable. I speak for +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</a></span>myself, but there are others who feel as I feel. It would be an +insult to every royal family in Europe. These are the things which I +have come to say. You must abandon your purpose, or——”</p> + +<p>“Or?”</p> + +<p>There was a moment’s deep silence. She shook her head very slowly.</p> + +<p>“There is not a noble of Theos, your Majesty, who would not consider +himself justified in rescinding his oath to a king who could stoop so +low.”</p> + +<p>Ughtred eyed her gravely.</p> + +<p>“Marie,” he said, “you are a peeress of Theos in your own right, and +as such you yourself have taken an oath of allegiance to me.”</p> + +<p>“It is true, your Majesty,” she answered, coldly. “And I tell you now +that the announcement of your betrothal to Sara Van Decht would in my +opinion and before my conscience justify me in breaking that oath. And +your Majesty must remember further that those who are not with you are +against you.”</p> + +<p>The King sat down and leaned his head upon his hand. Was this really +how the people of Theos would regard his marriage, if indeed it should +ever come to pass? The girl was so terribly in earnest, and of +personal feeling it seemed after all that she had none. A cloud crept +over his face.</p> + +<p>“It is a threat,” he said, quietly. “Countess, I beg that you will +leave me. I will think over all that you have said, and I will discuss +it fully with your brother, and my other advisers. Forgive me if I add +that I think it would be more fitting.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</a></span></p><p>He pointed to the open panel. She held up her head as though +listening, but Ughtred heard nothing. Then she looked once more at the +King. Something in his face reminded her for the moment of the man +whom he resembled. He was tired, and his distress touched her heart. +She moved suddenly over to his side and dropped upon her knee. The +heavy sleeves fell back from her wrists, her white fingers touched his +arms. She remembered that they had been young together, and after all +the destinies of Theos were largely in his hands. He looked into her +face and was amazed at the change. Her tone no longer shook with +anger. She pleaded to him.</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty, you and I were children together. Listen to me. I have +lived in Theos all my life, and the love of my country has become a +religion to me. For her sake, listen. You must not think any more of +Sara Van Decht. Your marriage would be impossible. The House of Laws +would not permit it, the nobility of Theos, of whom alas there are but +few left, would not tolerate it. I am speaking the truth to you. As +for what has been between you and me it shall go for nothing. +I—listen—I love another man. Wait for a few years, and then seek for +a wife where the royal House of Theos has the right to seek. I, who +know, tell you that this is your duty—that even now your throne is in +peril that you know nothing of.”</p> + +<p><a name="illo3" id="illo3"></a></p><div class="figcenter" style="width: 323px;"> +<img src="images/i226.jpg" class="ispace" width="323" height="500" alt="“NICHOLAS OF REIST STOOD ON THE THRESHOLD.”" title="" /> +<span class="caption">“NICHOLAS OF REIST STOOD ON THE THRESHOLD.”</span> +</div> + +<p>For the fraction of a second Ughtred hesitated, seeking about in his +mind only how best to terminate a painful situation. And that brief +period became almost a fatal interlude, for she saw what was passing +in his <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[Pg 221]</a></span>mind. Then a low, fierce cry came to them from the shadows of the +room. Nicholas of Reist stood on the threshold of the open panel, his +drawn sword quivering in his hand.</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[Pg 222]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXXIII"></a>CHAPTER XXXIII</h2> + +<p>It was a curiously deep silence which reigned for many moments in the +King’s chamber. Ughtred slowly drew a little apart from Marie and +glanced sternly from one to the other. His momentary suspicion, +however, died away. The look on the face of Nicholas of Reist was such +as no man, even the most consummate of actors, might assume.</p> + +<p>“What news do you bring?” the King said, quietly. “Is all well at +Solika?”</p> + +<p>Reist pointed to his sister.</p> + +<p>“There are no fresh tidings,” he answered. “I await your Majesty’s +explanation of my sister’s presence here.”</p> + +<p>Ughtred drew himself up. The blood of an ancient race asserted itself. +He eyed Reist coldly. It was the King who faced a rebellious subject.</p> + +<p>“I have no explanation to offer to you, Duke of Reist,” he answered. +“Seek it instead from your sister. It is she who should afford it you, +seeing that her presence here was undesired by me, and unexpected.”</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty lies!” Reist thundered.</p> + +<p>There was a deep and awful silence. Then Ughtred turned upon him, a +fierce flash of anger in his blue eyes.</p> + +<p>“Duke of Reist,” he said, “you are a privileged person at this Court, +and I have called you my friend. You will unsay those words, or hand +me your sword.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[Pg 223]</a></span></p><p>“I repeat,” Reist said, fiercely, “that your Majesty lies.”</p> + +<p>The King pointed to the open panel.</p> + +<p>“Countess,” he ordered, “leave us. This matter is between your brother +and myself. We can settle it best in your absence.”</p> + +<p>She turned to her brother.</p> + +<p>“Nicholas,” she said, “the King’s word is truth. I came here without +any knowledge of his. I remained here against his will. It was unwise, +perhaps, but the fault was mine. I wished to hear from his own lips +what truth there was in these rumours of his coming marriage.”</p> + +<p>“Was it your place to ask the King these things?” he demanded, +fiercely. “Was it dignified or seemly of you—you, his affianced +bride?”</p> + +<p>“I am not his affianced bride, Nicholas,” she answered. “That was an +idle ceremony. It was true we drank together of the King’s cup, but +its history was unknown to him.”</p> + +<p>He eyed them both with a fierce scorn.</p> + +<p>“God alone knows of what cup you have drunk together,” he cried, +bitterly. “How often have you found it necessary to seek him here in +the solitude of his chamber? How often have you used this infernal +passage?”</p> + +<p>“To seek the King, never,” she answered firmly. “I used it when I +found Brand here. If I had not, Theos might to-day have been a Russian +State.”</p> + +<p>He pointed with unshaking finger to the opening in the wall.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[Pg 224]</a></span></p><p>“Pass away, Marie!”</p> + +<p>She hesitated.</p> + +<p>“It is the truth which I have told you, Nicholas,” she said.</p> + +<p>He thrust before her eyes a piece of paper.</p> + +<p>“You are young, Marie, to lie so glibly even for your lover’s sake. +Here is the message which summoned you here, written in the King’s +handwriting, signed with the King’s name. You left it on the table, so +that even the servants might know of the shame which has come upon our +House.”</p> + +<p>The King crossed the room and looked over Marie’s shoulder. It was +indeed his own notepaper, and the writing of those few words strangely +resembled his.</p> + +<p>“Come now, I am alone.—U.”</p> + +<p>The King looked up with grave face.</p> + +<p>“It is a forgery!” he said.</p> + +<p>“It is a forgery,” Marie echoed, white to the lips.</p> + +<p>Nicholas of Reist said nothing. He pointed to the open panel. A look +of horror flashed into the girl’s face. She understood.</p> + +<p>“Nicholas,” she cried, “that message never came from the King. Where +you found it I do not know, but I never saw it before. You must +believe me, Nicholas. The King was ignorant of my coming. He was +unwilling that I should remain even for a moment.”</p> + +<p>“I repeat,” the King said, gravely, “that the writing which you hold +in your hands is a forgery, Nicholas. I have never written to your +sister in my life. This is part of a plot which shall be sifted to the +bottom.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[Pg 225]</a></span></p><p>Still Nicholas stood silent before the panel, and Marie passed out. He +shut it carefully. Then he turned to the King, who was still standing +with that half-sheet of notepaper in his hand.</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty,” he said, “I desire to know whether it is your +intention to marry my sister.”</p> + +<p>The King looked him squarely in the face.</p> + +<p>“Nicholas,” he said, “have I ever in my life done or said anything to +give rise to such a belief?”</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty,” Reist answered, with a bow, “has been ever most +discreet. Yet before witnesses you pledged my sister in our ancient +betrothal cup, well knowing its immutable record.”</p> + +<p>“That is true,” the King answered, “but at the time I showed clearly +that with me at least it was a jest. I plead guilty to an act of +folly. I came straight here from life amongst a people to whom symbols +and ceremonies have become as empty things—a practical and +utilitarian people, and I did not recognize the passionate clinging of +the dwellers in these more romantic countries to old customs and old +ritual. I deeply regret it, Nicholas. I have no other regret.”</p> + +<p>Reist pointed to the letter which still remained in the King’s +fingers. Ughtred tore it through with a gesture of contempt.</p> + +<p>“I did not write it,” he said. “I did not invite your sister’s +presence.”</p> + +<p>Reist controlled himself with a visible effort.</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty,” he said, “I beg you for one moment to reflect. I +appeal once more, less for your sake or mine, than for our country’s, +to your honour. Your <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[Pg 226]</a></span>throne you owe to me. I have been your faithful +servant, and my sword is yet wet with the blood of your enemies. Our +name is great throughout Europe. An alliance with us can only +strengthen your hold upon the people. It ill becomes me to force these +things upon you, but the issue is great. Do you seek the hand of my +sister in marriage?”</p> + +<p>“I do not,” the King answered. “I never have done. Wait.”</p> + +<p>Reist paused with his hand upon the hilt of his sword. The King +continued.</p> + +<p>“For the sake of my kingdom I do not order you from my presence, +Reist. We are in danger, as you know, and I can ill spare a brave man. +Listen. On my honour I, Ughtred of Tyrnaus, declare to you that the +letter you found is a forgery, that your sister’s presence here was as +much a surprise to me as to you, that I never for one single moment +failed in the respect which I owe to her as the sister of my best +subject.”</p> + +<p>“That,” Reist said, coldly, “is your Majesty’s last word?”</p> + +<p>“It is.”</p> + +<p>Reist drew his sword from his scabbard and bent it upon the ground +till the blade snapped. The pieces he threw before the King.</p> + +<p>“I resign my position in the army,” he said, “and I withdraw my oath +of allegiance. We are on equal terms now, Ughtred of Tyrnaus, and I +demand satisfaction from you for this affront upon my House.”</p> + +<p>Ughtred eyed him sternly for a moment, but without anger.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[Pg 227]</a></span></p><p>“First, sir,” he said, “discharge yourself of your duty. Report to me +of the position at Solika.”</p> + +<p>“We have withstood a fierce attack,” Reist answered, coldly, “and +driven the Turks off with heavy losses. I regret to add, however, that +Solika is a hotbed of Russian intrigue, and what we gain in the field +we shall doubtless lose through treachery. My force are encamped +outside the city, and there are scouts duly posted to warn us of any +fresh attack. I desire your answer, Ughtred of Tyrnaus.”</p> + +<p>The King’s eyes flashed with anger.</p> + +<p>“Be careful, sir,” he exclaimed, “or my answer will be a file of +soldiers and the prison.”</p> + +<p>There was a brief pause. An angry spot burned on Reist’s cheeks, but +he kept silent.</p> + +<p>“My answer to you is this, sir,” the King said. “All duties which I +owe as a private individual are secondary to those I owe my country. +So long as the war lasts I decline your challenge. The day it is over +I will meet you under any condition you choose to name. Now go!”</p> + +<p>“But——”</p> + +<p>“Sir,” the King thundered, “I do not bandy words with my subjects. +Go!”</p> + +<p>Reist passed out in silence. The panel rolled heavily back. The King +was alone! He sank heavily on to his couch and buried his face in his +hands.</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[Pg 228]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXXIV"></a>CHAPTER XXXIV</h2> + +<p>Once more brother and sister stood face to face in the great shadowy +audience-room of the Reist palace. Again, too, there was the clamour +of many voices in the streets below, for a messenger had just galloped +in with news from the front, and a sad procession of ambulance wagons +had arrived for the hospital. Only it seemed to them both that that +other day, of which both for a moment thought, lay far back in some +uncertain past. Events had marched so rapidly during the last few +months that all sense of proportion and distance was lost. They looked +at one another with white, haggard faces. Marie saw that her brother +no longer wore his sword.</p> + +<p>“What has happened?” she asked, faintly.</p> + +<p>The fires of hell were smouldering in his dark eyes. Yet he answered +with some attempt at calmness.</p> + +<p>“I challenged him. I had the right! He did not deny it, but he will +not fight until the war is over. I have broken my sword. I am an +outcast from my people—and he is still their king. Marie, you have +brought great trouble upon our House.”</p> + +<p>“It was not I who brought him here,” she answered. “I was against it +always. The trouble is of your making—and his. He drank with me from +the King’s cup.”</p> + +<p>“Ay! And to-night he refused absolutely to marry <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[Pg 229]</a></span>you, Marie. I +suffered the everlasting humiliation of offering your hand—to have it +refused.”</p> + +<p>She drew a short, quick breath. It was humiliation indeed. A sudden +wild anger seized her. She locked and interlocked her fingers +nervously.</p> + +<p>“They are an accursed race, these men of Tyrnaus,” she cried. “They +make vows only to break them. Their honour is a broken reed.”</p> + +<p>Then Nicholas, his face gleaming white through the darkness, leaned +over to her.</p> + +<p>“Marie,” he said, “those written words—which summoned you to +him—were his?”</p> + +<p>She hesitated. He raised his hand.</p> + +<p>“Marie,” he said, solemnly, “answer me as though your foot were upon +the threshold of eternity. Remember that the name of Reist will become +a name of shame for ever if you speak falsely. He is young, and he +came here a stranger to us and our traditions. With our country in +peril I might forgive for the while his broken troth—if that were +all. But if he has dared to hold you lightly—that I cannot forgive. +Tell me the truth! Was that message, indeed, from him which summoned +you to a clandestine meeting?”</p> + +<p>She met his fixed gaze with beating heart. Her bosom rose and fell +quickly. She was torn with a hundred emotions. At last she answered.</p> + +<p>“Nicholas,” she said, “I know nothing of that note. I sought the king +of my own free will.”</p> + +<p>Reist paced the room with quick, uneven footsteps. Marie sat at the +table, her head buried in her hands. He did not approach her. Through +the open window <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[Pg 230]</a></span>came the dull booming of guns. The sound was a +torture to him.</p> + +<p>“What are you going to do?” she asked, at last.</p> + +<p>“God only knows!” he answered, bitterly. “I have no King and no +country. Yet if I stay here I shall go mad.”</p> + +<p>She removed her hands from her face and looked at him stealthily.</p> + +<p>“If there were a way,” she whispered, “to save Theos, and to be +avenged on Ughtred of Tyrnaus.”</p> + +<p>He stopped short.</p> + +<p>“What do you mean?”</p> + +<p>“If there were still a way,” she whispered, “by which our old dream +might come true. If it were still possible that you might become the +saviour of our country, might even now rescue it from the Turks——”</p> + +<p>“Plain words,” he cried. “Let there be no enigmas between you and me. +What do you mean?”</p> + +<p>She looked at him more boldly.</p> + +<p>“If a great Power should say ‘I will not help Theos in her trouble +because I do not recognize Ughtred of Tyrnaus, but if the right man is +willing to accept the throne—so—I will stretch out my hand—the war +shall cease—Theos shall be free.’ What do you think of that, +Nicholas?”</p> + +<p>He looked at her with new eyes.</p> + +<p>“Whose thoughts are these?” he asked, slowly.</p> + +<p>“Domiloff’s!”</p> + +<p>“He has spoken to you?”</p> + +<p>“Yes!”</p> + +<p>“It is treason,” he cried, hoarsely. “I will have none of it.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[Pg 231]</a></span></p><p>“Who,” she asked, “is a greater traitor than Ughtred of Tyrnaus?”</p> + +<p>He was silent.</p> + +<p>“Who,” she cried, “is better beloved in Theos?—who could rule the +people more wisely than you, Nicholas? It would save our country from +conquest and pillage. It is—the only way. Is it not what we have +spoken of before—have not you yourself pointed upwards to that motto, +whose writing is surely no less clear to-day? Oh, Nicholas, you cannot +hesitate.”</p> + +<p>He walked to the window and looked out towards the hills, where the +red lights still flared and the guns made sullen music. Her words were +like poison to him.</p> + +<p>“Listen, Nicholas,” she said. “While Ughtred of Tyrnaus is king no +help will come to us from any other nation, and without help how can +Theos hold out against a hundred thousand Turks? We have few soldiers +and fewer guns. Our population will be decimated, our country laid +waste, and the end will be slavery. It is for you to save us all. It +is you who can save Theos.”</p> + +<p>He looked at her with cold, stern eyes.</p> + +<p>“How long have you been the confidante of Domiloff?”</p> + +<p>“It is only lately,” she answered, “that he has spoken to me of these +things. I think, Nicholas, that he is afraid of you.”</p> + +<p>“Perhaps,” Reist remarked, bitterly, “he mistook me for an honest +man.”</p> + +<p>“It is freedom for Theos,” she said, softly, “and revenge upon the +King. Whatever may befall him from our hands he has deserved.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[Pg 232]</a></span></p><p>“Is Domiloff still in Theos?” he asked.</p> + +<p>She nodded.</p> + +<p>“You will find him at the Café Metropolitan,” she said, “only he is +now a Frenchman. You must ask for Monsieur Abouyat.”</p> + +<p>Reist moved restlessly up and down the room. Often his fingers sought +the place where his sword should have been.</p> + +<p>“Something I must do,” he muttered. “I might disguise myself as a +peasant and fight in the ranks. To be here idle is horrible; to go to +Domiloff—I cannot!”</p> + +<p>He looked gloomily out into the darkness. The inaction was +unendurable. She crossed the room to his side and laid her hand upon +his arm.</p> + +<p>“It is not by standing still, Nicholas, or by indecision that you can +preserve your country or avenge your honour,” she said. “Go to +Domiloff. Hear what he has to say. Then ask yourself what is best for +Theos.”</p> + +<p>“Domiloff has the tongue of a fiend,” he answered, “or a serpent. I do +not dare to trust myself with him. Russia would play us false in the +end. Our freedom would be undermined. I myself should be a puppet, a +doll, at the beck and call of a master. Oh, I know how these Russians +treat an independent State if once their fingers are upon her throat.”</p> + +<p>“You talk as though Theos were not already doomed,” she cried. “What +hope have we as it is? Nicholas, have you ever thought what must +happen when the Turks have crossed the frontier. You know their +way—it is blood and fire and desolation. Have you considered the +women and children, Nicholas?”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[Pg 233]</a></span></p><p>He groaned. The recollection of former raids was lurid and terrible +enough. It was hard for him to see clearly. And his scabbard was +empty.</p> + +<p>“I will go to Domiloff,” he said at last, “I will hear what he has to +say.”</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[Pg 234]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXXV" id="CHAPTER_XXXV"></a>CHAPTER XXXV</h2> + +<p>It was very dark, very stuffy, and a strong, malodorous suggestion of +garlic pervaded the little <i>café</i>. The ordinary customers of the place +preferred always the round tables outside, and very few passed through +the worn swing doors which led to the gloomy interior. The two men who +occupied one of the small partitions had the place to themselves.</p> + +<p>“It is not the time, this, for any weak scruples, my dear Reist,” +Domiloff was saying. “Theos in a week’s time will be either a Russian +State forever, or once more a free country with a ruler who is one of +her own sons, and in whom my master can repose every confidence. You +see I am very frank with you. I admit that this attack upon your +country is the will and the decree of Russia. It was broached in +London, confirmed in St. Petersburg, and planned in Constantinople. +Yet, believe me, it was conceived in no spirit of enmity to Theos. It +is simply this. We will not have a Tyrnaus upon the throne of Theos.”</p> + +<p>“Your country,” Reist answered, hoarsely, “has no great reputation for +generosity. What are we to pay for our freedom? You would not have me +believe that there is no price.”</p> + +<p>“There is none,” was the quiet answer, “which you, as a patriot and a +Thetian, need hesitate to pay. We should require the abolition of the +present edict prohibiting <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[Pg 235]</a></span>Russians from holding public offices, and a +few more such unimportant concessions. They are nothing. They will +serve only to knit our countries more closely together in friendship.”</p> + +<p>Reist laughed hardly.</p> + +<p>“Yet I think,” he said, “that the freedom of Theos would become +somewhat of a jest were I to accept your terms.”</p> + +<p>“The alternative,” Domiloff remarked, “may seem more pleasing to you. +Yet I have heard people say unpleasant things of the Turkish yoke.”</p> + +<p>“Theos is not yet conquered,” Reist answered. “Ughtred, to do him +justice, is a soldier, and my people have the love of fighting born in +their hearts.”</p> + +<p>“The odds are too great—and you know it,” was the quiet reply. +“Besides, the Turkish army is led by Russians and supplied with +Russian artillery. The result is certain.”</p> + +<p>“There may be intervention!”</p> + +<p>“From whom?” Domiloff asked, smiling. “France is the monkey who dances +to my master’s music—Austria is bound to us, Germany is +geographically powerless.”</p> + +<p>“There is England.”</p> + +<p>Domiloff laughed outright.</p> + +<p>“England as a European Power,” he declared, “has ceased to exist. A +few Dutch farmers have pricked the bubble of her military reputation. +If she should have the sublime impudence to lift her voice we should +treat her with the contempt she has earned. No, Reist, there will be +no intervention. Your brave Thetians will be <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[Pg 236]</a></span>cut to pieces, your +country will be pillaged and burned, your women will become the +consorts of the Turkish soldiery, your ladies will go to grace a +Turkish harem. These things must be unless you have the courage to +hold out your hand. You call yourself a patriot. Prove it! The issue +is plain enough.”</p> + +<p>The words bit into Reist’s heart. He sat in gloomy silence. From afar +off he seemed to hear the battle-cry of his beloved soldiers, the +thunder of hoofs, the flashing steel, the glory of the charge thrilled +his blood. There was patriotism indeed—there, where the lances +dripped red and the bullets flew. And he, Nicholas of Reist, sat +skulking in the back room of a doubtful <i>café</i>, safely out of harm’s +reach, talking treason with one who had ever been the foremost of his +country’s enemies.</p> + +<p>“You bought Metzger,” he said, “and the people cast him out. You may +buy me, and yet the people will not accept your terms. They will not +have Russians in authority over them. The hatred of your country is a +religion with them.”</p> + +<p>“They believe in you as they would believe in no other man,” Domiloff +answered. “You can make the situation clear to them. In your heart you +know that it is their only salvation.”</p> + +<p>“They may save their skins,” Reist admitted, “but after all life is a +short thing. It is better to die like gods than to live like slaves.”</p> + +<p>Domiloff shook his head.</p> + +<p>“My friend,” he said, “there is but one life that we know anything of, +and it should not be lightly thrown <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[Pg 237]</a></span>away. You can save Theos if you +will. Supposing, however, that you are obstinate—that you cling to +your ancient prejudices—well, what will you do then? Consider your +position. You have quarrelled with the King. Your place in the army +has gone, you have surrendered your sword. How can you ever show +yourself in Theos again, who lingered here in the hour of battle? Be +wise, my friend. Before you there is but one possible course. Take it. +The day will come when every man who calls himself a Thetian will +bless your name.”</p> + +<p>“Or curse it!” Reist muttered.</p> + +<p>“Curse it, indeed,” Domiloff answered, “if you play the coward. It is +the hour now for a strong man to rise. You are that man. Ughtred of +Tyrnaus, whom you call your king, is even now forging the fetters to +lead Theos into slavery. It is for you to thrust him aside and save +your people.”</p> + +<p>“His is the nobler way,” Reist cried, bitterly. “Domiloff, I can +listen to you no longer. I am not the man you seek. My feet are not +used to these tortuous ways. I will ask the King’s pardon. He will +give me back my sword, and I can at least find a glorious death.”</p> + +<p>“You can fight then for a King who has deprived you of your sword?” +Domiloff whispered. “You can forgive him the insult he has thrust upon +your sister. You can bear to think of her, slighted for the daughter +of an American tradesman. Who is Ughtred of Tyrnaus that he should do +this thing, and that the Duke of Reist should ask his pardon!”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[Pg 238]</a></span></p><p>Reist ground his teeth.</p> + +<p>“I can force my way into the ranks and fight unknown,” he said, +hoarsely. “It would be better to die there than to live to listen to +your poisonous whisperings. I do not trust you, Domiloff. I cannot. I +have no pledge that you would keep your word.”</p> + +<p>A sudden change flashed into the white face of the Russian. He sat +perfectly still—listening. Reist opened his lips to ask a question, +but it remained unasked. He, too, heard the sound. Somewhere behind +the partition a man’s breathing was distinctly audible. Domiloff’s +hand sought his pocket, and he rose softly to his feet.</p> + +<p>The intruder, whoever he might be, did not hesitate for a second. He +leaped through the window by which he had entered, and ran down the +passage. Domiloff followed him, and peering forward fired a couple of +shots in rapid succession. Apparently they were fruitless, for the +fugitive gained the open space in front of the <i>café</i> and mingled with +the crowd. There was a rush of bystanders towards the two men, but +Domiloff raised his hands and cried in Thetian—</p> + +<p>“A Turk! A Turk! A spy! Follow him!”</p> + +<p>There was a rush across the street. Domiloff and Reist exchanged rapid +glances with one another.</p> + +<p>“A spy indeed, but a spy from the other side,” Domiloff muttered. “I +wonder how much he heard.”</p> + +<p>But Reist was speechless. To him the interruption had come like the +awakening from a horrible dream. There was a man then—a man of Theos +who knew him for a traitor.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[Pg 239]</a></span></p><p>The hue and cry had left them alone. Suddenly Domiloff stooped down. A +soft felt hat lay almost at their feet. Through the brim and crown was +a small round hole.</p> + +<p>“It is his hat,” Domiloff muttered. “Why did I not aim an inch lower?”</p> + +<p>He struck a match, and looked for the name inside the lining. It was +Scott and Co., Bond Street, London.</p> + +<p>Reist felt his cheeks burn, though the night was cool. Domiloff’s +voice sounded unnaturally calm.</p> + +<p>“It was the Englishman then, Walter Brand. Good!”</p> + +<p>“The King’s friend,” Reist faltered.</p> + +<p>Domiloff nodded.</p> + +<p>“I do not think,” he said, “that he will ever see the King again.”</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[Pg 240]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXXVI" id="CHAPTER_XXXVI"></a>CHAPTER XXXVI</h2> + +<p>Late that night a man stood motionless amongst the shrubs in the +garden of the Reist house. His eyes were fixed always upon a certain +window where a light was burning. He muttered often to himself, and +the things which he said were not pleasant to hear. He was tired and +cramped with his long waiting—yet so long as that light burned he +dared not approach the house.</p> + +<p>There came to him at last a welcome sound, a light footstep and the +trailing of a skirt upon the gravel path. He leaned forward.</p> + +<p>“Countess, I am here.”</p> + +<p>Marie stooped to pluck a flower, and slipped behind the shrub. They +were now invisible from the house.</p> + +<p>“You received my note?” he asked.</p> + +<p>“Yes.”</p> + +<p>“It was more than two hours ago. I am cold and tired with waiting. Was +it necessary to keep me here so long?”</p> + +<p>“Quite,” she answered. “I came as soon as it was safe.”</p> + +<p>“Who has been with your brother to-night?” he asked.</p> + +<p>“How do you know that we have not been alone?”</p> + +<p>He pointed to the light still burning in the window.</p> + +<p>“That light,” he said. “See, it is just extinguished. Your visitor has +gone.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[Pg 241]</a></span></p><p>She laughed bitterly.</p> + +<p>“You are well served—by my servants,” she said.</p> + +<p>“It is for all our interests! The visitor?”</p> + +<p>“It was General Kolashin.”</p> + +<p>“The General himself?”</p> + +<p>“Yes. He came to reason with my brother about giving up his command.”</p> + +<p>Domiloff frowned.</p> + +<p>“Your brother did not waver?”</p> + +<p>“He wavered a good deal. But for me I think that he would have +returned to camp. I am sorry now that I interfered.”</p> + +<p>“You are not in a pleasant humour to-night, I fear, Countess.”</p> + +<p>“I am never in a pleasant humour when I have to do with—such as you. +Treason and deceit are ugly things, to us, at least, Baron Domiloff.”</p> + +<p>“I do not agree with your terms, Countess,” he answered, “but this is +scarcely the place or the time for argument. Your brother?”</p> + +<p>“He awaits you.”</p> + +<p>“He has spoken of our interview?”</p> + +<p>“Yes!”</p> + +<p>“And you have told him?”</p> + +<p>“To beware of Baron Domiloff,” she answered, coolly.</p> + +<p>He bent over to read her face, uncertain in the dim twilight.</p> + +<p>“You are jesting,” he murmured.</p> + +<p>“It is very possible,” she admitted.</p> + +<p>She turned away from him, and looked towards the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[Pg 242]</a></span>hills. The muttering +of artillery still continued. Domiloff was uneasy.</p> + +<p>“Countess,” he said, “I must go in to your brother, for this evening +we were overheard in the Café Metropolitan, and I am not safe in the +city any longer. But, I pray you to tell me this. What is your +brother’s disposition concerning these matters of which we have +talked?”</p> + +<p>She shook her head.</p> + +<p>“I cannot tell you. I have done what I can, but he himself is torn +with doubts and fears. The sound of the guns, and the thought of the +fighting goads him to madness. I have done what I promised. Through me +he has broken with the King, and I have sent him to you. The rest you +should have accomplished.”</p> + +<p>“And so I should,” Domiloff declared, fiercely, “but for that cursed +interruption. It is ill to do with men who do not know their own +minds.”</p> + +<p>“Or with women in the like straits, my friend,” she murmured.</p> + +<p>He shot a quick glance at her.</p> + +<p>“Of you,” he declared, quietly, “I have no fear. You would not see +this American girl Queen of Theos. I do not think that you would stand +in waiting before her throne.”</p> + +<p>Marie’s face was for a moment white with passion. She seemed as though +she would strike him. Domiloff watched her narrowly. He liked to be +sure of every one with whom he had to deal, and there were times when +she eluded him.</p> + +<p>“No,” she answered at last. “It is not likely that I <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[Pg 243]</a></span>should do that. +Baron Domiloff, I will show you the way to my brother’s room.”</p> + +<p>“One moment.”</p> + +<p>He touched her arm. She drew it away with an angry exclamation. +Domiloff was not without vanity, and his personal repugnance to her, +which she was at no pains to hide, galled him. For a moment he dared +not trust himself to speak.</p> + +<p>“Will you be so good as to remember,” she said, with cutting force, +“that my toleration of you is on account of Theos, and Theos only. +Personally, I hate all conspirators and plotters. The idea of this +sort of thing and everybody connected with it is loathsome to me.”</p> + +<p>He bowed low. It was as well that she could not see his face.</p> + +<p>“Countess,” he said, “you will excuse my familiarity, but there was a +matter—an urgent matter—which I had yet to mention to you. There is +a man who must die unless he leaves Theos in four-and-twenty hours. I +have heard him called your friend—else he were a dead man at this +moment.”</p> + +<p>She looked at him doubtfully.</p> + +<p>“You do not mean the King?”</p> + +<p>“No! I mean Walter Brand, the English journalist.”</p> + +<p>She started. Domiloff watched her keenly.</p> + +<p>“What has he done?” she asked.</p> + +<p>“What has he not done. You remember his first appearance here?”</p> + +<p>She laughed softly.</p> + +<p>“I remember it very well,” she answered. “He was bold enough to befool +the wily Baron Domiloff—to play <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[Pg 244]</a></span>with him and beat him at his own +game. Yes, his first coming I remember very well indeed.”</p> + +<p>The darkness hid Domiloff’s face. His voice was under perfect control.</p> + +<p>“I bear him no special grudge for that,” Domiloff said, “but it was +only the beginning. He has done his very best to oppose us throughout. +He is the King’s most intimate friend, he is our most dangerous enemy. +His letters from here are influencing the whole European Press. In +England they have created a sensation, and in Germany also. They have +been translated into every language, and copied everywhere. The time +has come when they must cease.”</p> + +<p>She felt the significance of his words. She was not altogether unmoved +under his close scrutiny.</p> + +<p>“He is an Englishman,” she said, “and it is dangerous to interfere +with Englishmen.”</p> + +<p>“Nevertheless it must be done,” he declared. “To-night it has become a +matter of urgency.”</p> + +<p>“How so?”</p> + +<p>“Because, not content with the mischief which he has already done, he +must needs play the spy upon one or both of us. To-night he was at the +Café Metropolitan and overheard some part of my conversation with your +brother.”</p> + +<p>A sudden colour flushed her cheeks. Her eyes were bright.</p> + +<p>“He is a brave man,” she cried.</p> + +<p>Domiloff shrugged his shoulders.</p> + +<p>“The difference between a brave man and a fool,” he said, “is so +slight. But listen, Countess! You wish his life spared?”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[Pg 245]</a></span></p><p>“If harm comes to him through you or any of your creatures,” she +cried, with a little burst of passion, “I will go to the King and have +you hung in the market-place.”</p> + +<p>There was a moment’s silence. Domiloff was staggered by her bold +words.</p> + +<p>“Countess,” he said, “his safety lies with you. I give you this +opportunity to warn him.”</p> + +<p>“To warn him? But I do not know where he is,” Marie protested. +“Besides, he would not heed me.”</p> + +<p>“To-morrow,” Domiloff answered, “I may be able to acquaint you with +his whereabouts. I must at least have him watched and his dispatches +intercepted. He is absolutely our most dangerous opponent.”</p> + +<p>“But even if he were to receive a message from me, he would not come +if he were at the front,” Marie said.</p> + +<p>“He comes every day to Theos to send off his cables,” Domiloff +answered. “I shall send you word where he is, and you must send for +him. It is absolutely necessary that he come over to our side.”</p> + +<p>“He is not the kind of man to desert a losing cause,” Marie said. “He +would not listen to me.”</p> + +<p>Domiloff gave vent to an impatient gesture.</p> + +<p>“He must listen to you, Countess, or die,” he said.</p> + +<p>She looked him in the face.</p> + +<p>“You will remember my threat, Baron Domiloff,” she said. “Those were +no idle words.”</p> + +<p>He bowed low.</p> + +<p>“We will go to your brother,” he said.</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[Pg 246]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXXVII" id="CHAPTER_XXXVII"></a>CHAPTER XXXVII</h2> + +<p>The King entered from his ante-chamber and took his place at the head +of the long table amidst a profound and depressing silence. The faces +of his counsellors were grave indeed. The military members were all at +the front. Those who remained were the merchants and men of peace, and +to them the guns whose roar seemed ever increasing spelled ruin.</p> + +<p>Old Baron Doxis took the chair. He opened the proceedings with dim +eyes and a shaking voice. Theos was dear to him, but so also were his +sons and nephews, some of whom he could scarcely hope to see again. +The routine business was quickly dispensed with. The King in a few +sentences told them the war news of the day.</p> + +<p>Then Baron Doxis rose again.</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty,” he said, “this meeting of our Inner Council you +yourself have pronounced an wholly informal one. We are sitting here +with closed doors. We are all, I believe, patriots and Thetians. Let +me ask your Majesty, therefore, if every means have been tried to +avoid the destruction which threatens us?”</p> + +<p>The faces of all were turned towards the King.</p> + +<p>“My friends,” he said, slowly, “I have heard it whispered, not amongst +you, perhaps, but yet amongst those who might have known me better, +that this war is the outcome of my own military activity, that it is a +war <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[Pg 247]</a></span>which might have been prevented. Let me implore you not to give +credit to any such idea. It is a cruel war, an unjust war, and—we +must look the worst in the face. It may mean the extinction of Theos +as an independent nation. But it has been brutally thrust upon us. We +have been powerless to avoid it. We have given no offence, we have +striven for peace, knowing that by peace alone we can prosper. The +pretext for the commencement of hostilities was a false one. An +absolutely faithful account of all that passed between Effenden Pascha +and ourselves has been set down on paper and forwarded to +Constantinople—also to every Court in Europe. I have appealed to +every reigning sovereign for intercession. What is left to us but to +fight? The enemy have crossed our frontier. But for our dispositions +and the bravery of our soldiers they would be even now at the gates of +Theos. If I failed in my duty, tell me where. What could I have done?”</p> + +<p>Baron Doxis rose up again.</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty,” he said, “we do not presume to doubt your word. We +believe in the justice of our cause, and we will believe that these +movements on the part of the Turks are movements of ruthless +aggression. But, bearing in mind our hopeless inferiority in numbers, +I must ask whether any steps have been taken to ascertain the terms on +which peace would be granted to us.”</p> + +<p>The King’s face was set and grave.</p> + +<p>“Baron Doxis,” he said, “we have not yet approached the +Commander-in-Chief of the Turkish forces on this subject. But I can +tell you well what the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[Pg 248]</a></span>answer would be. The surrender of your army, +of our city, the pillaging of our houses, the outraging of our women. +Have you not yet learned how the Turks make war?”</p> + +<p>Baron Doxis remained upon his feet. He passed his trembling hand along +his snow-white beard.</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty,” he said, “these are the days of civilized warfare, and +it is possible that more restraint might be exercised over the Turkish +soldiery now than in the days gone by. I humbly submit that the +demands of the invaders be ascertained and submitted to us.”</p> + +<p>The King remained silent for a minute. Then he looked up, and though +his lips trembled his voice was firm enough.</p> + +<p>“You can send your instructions to General Dartnoff,” he said. “I +shall not interfere. At the same time, I feel bound to tell you that I +look upon any such appeal as hopeless. We have no hope, save in God, +in our arms, and from the possible intercession of one or more of the +Powers.”</p> + +<p>Tavener, a merchant, who was suspected of Jewish descent, rose timidly +to his feet.</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty has come to-night from the seat of war,” he said. “May +we ask of these rumours concerning the Duke of Reist? It is rumoured +that the Duke has abandoned his command and returned his sword to your +Majesty.”</p> + +<p>“The rumour is correct,” the King answered.</p> + +<p>There was an uneasy murmur of voices. Baron Doxis rose.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[Pg 249]</a></span></p><p>“Your Majesty, we should esteem some further particulars as to this +action on the part of the Duke of Reist. We have always been +accustomed to consider him one of the born leaders of this country.”</p> + +<p>“The resignation of the Duke,” Ughtred said, “is due to a personal +matter which I am not at liberty to explain to you. No one can regret +it more than I do.”</p> + +<p>An ominous silence followed. Ughtred was conscious of it, yet there +seemed to be nothing which he could do to dispel it. He knew that the +loyalty of these men was being sorely taxed. In their hearts they +believed him responsible for the war. This severance with Reist +encouraged them in their belief. Baron Doxis rose slowly to his feet.</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty,” he said, slowly, “as the oldest member of this +council, as the oldest inhabitant of Theos here present, will you +permit me to say a word respecting the Duke of Reist?”</p> + +<p>The King inclined his head.</p> + +<p>“I am prepared to hear you, Baron Doxis,” he said.</p> + +<p>“The Duke of Reist,” Doxis continued, “is the sole representative of +the one family in Theos who for centuries have served their country +faithfully as true patriots. The Duke of Reist it was who is solely +responsible for the restoration of the monarchy. It was he who found +your Majesty out and brought you here to reign over us.”</p> + +<p>Ughtred looked up.</p> + +<p>“I am conscious,” he said, “of all that Nicholas of Reist has done for +Theos. I know, too, what I personally owe him. I believe him at heart +to be a true <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[Pg 250]</a></span>and devoted patriot. Yet for all this the quarrel +between us is not of my seeking. I cannot go to him and order him into +the field. Seek him yourselves, if you will. He has spoken words to me +which no one, not even the first noble in Christendom, has a right to +use to his sovereign. I pass that over. I demand no apology. Let him +resume his place in the field and his command, if he will. I would not +place my own dignity before the good of Theos. The Assembly is +dismissed, gentlemen.”</p> + +<p>The King retired to his own apartments. His servant was in waiting.</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty has four hours before the time appointed for the special +train,” he announced. “The sleeping chamber is prepared.”</p> + +<p>Ughtred waved him away.</p> + +<p>“I shall not retire,” he said. “Leave me alone.”</p> + +<p>He leaned forward in his easy-chair and buried his face in his hands. +Only a month ago life had seemed such a fair thing. He had been full +of plans and dreams. He had envied no man in Europe. And now he seemed +hemmed about with disaster. He was no longer the hero of the people. +He had lost his best friend—between his counsellors and himself an +ominous gulf was widening every hour. There were whispers of treason +in the city, his isolation would soon become an accomplished fact. +Almost his courage failed him.</p> + +<p>The door was softly opened and closed. He looked up wearily, then +sprang to his feet. It was Sara who was coming across the room towards +him with outstretched hands.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[Pg 251]</a></span></p><p>“Sara.”</p> + +<p>He took her into his arms, from which she presently escaped, and +carefully disengaged herself. Already he felt better at the sight of +her.</p> + +<p>“How did you come here, Sara?” he asked.</p> + +<p>“I used your ring,” she answered, showing it to him. “Father is in the +next room.”</p> + +<p>“Your father has been very useful,” he said. “He has been out with the +engineer all day.”</p> + +<p>She laughed.</p> + +<p>“He is amusing himself. But, Ughtred, I came to talk to you for a +moment. They tell me that you are going back to the front directly.”</p> + +<p>“I must be there at daybreak,” he answered. “Until then we have +granted them an armistice—to bury their dead.”</p> + +<p>She nodded.</p> + +<p>“I hear all about it. I was in the field-hospital all day, and the +wounded were brought in shouting with joy. It was a great fight, +Ughtred.”</p> + +<p>An answering gleam flashed in his eyes.</p> + +<p>“You should have been a soldier’s daughter, Sara.”</p> + +<p>Her face was suddenly grave. She was standing by his side with her +hands loosely clasped behind her, her eyes upturned to his.</p> + +<p>“Ughtred,” she said, “I have come here to say something to you. There +have been rumours of a quarrel between you and the Reists. Is that +true?”</p> + +<p>“There is something of the sort,” he admitted.</p> + +<p>“They say that the Duke of Reist has thrown up his command.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[Pg 252]</a></span></p><p>“Yes.”</p> + +<p>“Is it true, Ughtred, that you went through some sort of a betrothal +ceremony with the Countess of Reist?”</p> + +<p>He laughed heartily. Then he told her the story. She listened with +grave face.</p> + +<p>“You were scarcely to blame,” she said, when he had finished. “But, +Ughtred, I have begun to understand what should have been plain to me +from the first—what you too should have thought of, perhaps. Our +engagement would never be welcomed by your people. They love the old +families and the old names. It would make you unpopular, and I believe +it is at the bottom of your disagreement with the Reists. You must +forget what you said, dear. It is best, indeed.”</p> + +<p>He turned upon her for the moment almost fiercely. He was overwrought.</p> + +<p>“You, too!” he exclaimed. “My God, how lonely people can leave a King +when the evil times come.”</p> + +<p>He saw her look of pain, and the tears fill her eyes. He turned +suddenly and threw his arms about her.</p> + +<p>“You love me, Sara. You do not want to take that back?”</p> + +<p>“You know that I do not,” she answered.</p> + +<p>“Then put these things away from you till these troubles are past. At +least let me have you to think of and fight for. Afterwards we will +speak of them again.”</p> + +<p>She assented gladly.</p> + +<p>“Only I want you to know, Ughtred,” she said, “that I will never +become your wife if it is to lessen <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[Pg 253]</a></span>your hold upon your people here. +I wish they could know it. Some of these poor wounded soldiers look at +me as if I were their enemy. Why, it is terrible.”</p> + +<p>He smiled reassuringly.</p> + +<p>“When the war is over we will talk of this seriously,” he answered. +“Listen.”</p> + +<p>He threw up the blind. It was still dark and apparently raining, but +away eastwards there was a break in the clouds, and the stars were +paler. In the courtyard below a carriage was waiting. He dropped the +blind hastily, picked up his cloak.</p> + +<p>“I must go, Sara,” he declared. “Wish me luck, dear.”</p> + +<p>She clung to him with suddenly swimming eyes. Her lips trembled—her +face was very wistful.</p> + +<p>“Oh, my dear! My dear,” she cried, softly, “if only I could bring you +luck. If only I could be your mascotte.”</p> + +<p>He laughed cheerily. His arms were around her, and she was comforted.</p> + +<p>“There is no better mascotte for a man in this world,” he declared, +“than the touch of the woman he loves. Send me back to the front, +dear, with your kisses upon my lips and the sound of your voice in my +ears, and I promise you that you shall hear great news.”</p> + +<p>When Ughtred passed out a few minutes later a rumour went through the +palace that good news had come. For the King held his head high, and +his eyes were as the eyes of a man who goes forth to victory looking +upon pleasant things.</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[Pg 254]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXXVIII" id="CHAPTER_XXXVIII"></a>CHAPTER XXXVIII</h2> + +<p>Throughout the night there was little attempt at sleep in the Thetian +camp. Long lines of men, relieved every two hours that they might work +at the utmost speed, were busy in the valley digging entrenchments. +Guns were being dragged up to the heights and signalling stations +fixed. With dawn came a proclamation from the King freely issued about +the camp.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>“Men of Theos and Soldiers of the Thetian Army.</p> + +<p>“The thanks of the State are due to you for your brave fight +yesterday, you and your gallant leaders. I am glad to tell +you that at Althea Pass and Morania the enemy were also +repulsed with great loss. So far then the fighting has gone +wholly in our favour. Let us thank God, who has strengthened +the arm of those whose cause is just, who resist an +unwarranted and iniquitous invasion of their native land.</p> + +<p>“The precautions which have been taken to guard against this +act of brigandage encourage us to hope for success. We are +not taken unawares. Since my accession to the throne of my +ancestors I have, as you know, devoted every effort to +strengthening our defences, to preparing so far as +preparation was possible for the position in which we find +ourselves to-day. Althea Pass is almost impregnable. I do +not believe that the Turks will ever pass alive through the +Moranian defiles. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[Pg 255]</a></span>Here it is that the final struggle must +take place. It is you, my soldiers, who must bear the great +burden of the fighting. The place of honour is yours, and +the place of honour may be the place of death. It is meet +therefore that I, your King, should be with you. I have +therefore decided to take over the supreme command from your +valiant and respected leader, General Dartnoff, and to lead +you personally into battle. With God’s help and your valour +I have every trust and every hope in the future. I need not +remind you that our cause is just and great. We fight for +our homes—I for my palace, you for your homesteads—as +brothers together. We fight for our freedom, for our +womenkind, and the freedom of those who are to come after +us. For my part I pledge myself to this. There shall be no +submission on terms that I will ever accept save those which +leave Theos as free in the future as it is to-day. For your +part I ask you only to quit yourselves like the Thetians of +old, to believe in me and obey, to remember always that God +is with the weak, and He will surely protect us. Strike +hard, obey unflinchingly, and if the whispers of treason +should reach your ears scorn it as did those others who have +fought before you. Do this, and I will lead you to victory.”</p></div> + +<p>At dawn a single horseman, attended by a small escort, galloped down +from the shed where the light railway from Theos ended. General +Dartnoff and a little group of officers stood in front of the former’s +quarters.</p> + +<p>“It is Reist at last,” one exclaimed.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[Pg 256]</a></span></p><p>But the General shook his head.</p> + +<p>“It is the King,” he declared. “See he is riding his own horse.”</p> + +<p>The old battle-cry rang like music in the King’s ears as he galloped +down the lines. He was fair to look upon in the faint early sunlight, +bronzed and manly, a born soldier with a dash of the enthusiast. The +men, fresh from reading his proclamation, welcomed him with thunderous +cheers. Their shouts rose to the skies, and Ughtred breathed more +freely. For these were Reist’s men, and it was Reist’s place which he +must fill.</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty is welcome to the camp,” General Dartnoff said, +saluting. “We were looking for the Duke of Reist.”</p> + +<p>The King passed into the tent, and motioned the General and the other +officers to follow them. Then he turned and faced them.</p> + +<p>“General Dartnoff,” he said, “I regret to inform you that the Duke of +Reist has resigned his command.”</p> + +<p>Blank astonishment was written into their faces. The thing was +incredible.</p> + +<p>“I beg your Majesty’s pardon,” General Dartnoff said, with some +hesitation, “but do we indeed hear you rightly? The Duke of Reist has +resigned his command—in time of war—at such a time as this? Nicholas +of Reist!”</p> + +<p>“It is unfortunately true,” the King repeated.</p> + +<p>“He is stricken with illness suddenly?” Dartnoff asked.</p> + +<p>The King shook his head.</p> + +<p>“I regret to say that the resignation of the Duke of <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[Pg 257]</a></span>Reist is due to +a personal matter between myself and him, in which he considers +himself aggrieved.”</p> + +<p>There was a moment’s silence. Quick glances were exchanged amongst the +officers. Dartnoff was sorely puzzled.</p> + +<p>“It was Nicholas of Reist who brought you here,” he said, slowly. “It +was his word and advice—which——”</p> + +<p>“Which made me King,” Ughtred continued. “That is so. General Dartnoff +and you, gentlemen, do not think that I treat this matter lightly. It +has been a great blow to me—a great shock. But, listen. The Duke of +Reist has no cause of offence against me whatever. He has been +deceived and misled, and I have a fancy that Domiloff, who they say is +still lurking about Theos, is concerned in it.”</p> + +<p>The General’s face grew graver than ever.</p> + +<p>“Nicholas of Reist,” he said, “would never stoop to secret dealings +with such men as Domiloff.”</p> + +<p>“I hope and believe not myself,” the King answered promptly. “But such +men as Domiloff work in the dark indirectly, and some one has poisoned +the mind of Nicholas of Reist against me. But listen. I repeat that +the matter is a personal one. For the moment it can well be left where +it is. I will promise you this. After the war if Theos still exists +and I am alive I will meet the Duke of Reist before you, General +Dartnoff, and any three of our countrymen whom you may select, and you +shall judge between us. If you find that I am in the wrong my +abdication shall be at your service. If you decide in my favour the +Duke of Reist’s apology <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[Pg 258]</a></span>and his hand will be sufficient for me. But, +remember, that to-day we stand before the destinies of Theos. For +God’s sake do not let your loyalty or your faith in me be affected by +this deeply-to-be-deplored incident. To do so would be to play into +the hands of those who have poisoned the mind of the Duke of Reist +against me. Give me your trust a little longer, I beg of you.”</p> + +<p>General Dartnoff stood in front of his officers, and he did not +hesitate. The cloud had passed from his face.</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty,” he said. “We accept. Yet with your permission I would +ask you this question. No man in Theos loves his country better than +Nicholas of Reist. If he should desire to recall his words——?”</p> + +<p>The King held out his hand.</p> + +<p>“I would offer it to him,” he said, “as freely as I offer it now to +you.”</p> + +<p>The cloud passed in substance away. Metterbee—a senior +officer—respectfully intervened.</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty,” he said, “there is Reist’s command.”</p> + +<p>The King looked around him.</p> + +<p>“I am going to make one more demand upon your loyalty,” he said +gravely. “General Dartnoff, it is my wish that you take over the +command of the Duke of Reist’s corps. The chief command I am prepared +to assume in person.”</p> + +<p>General Dartnoff smiled.</p> + +<p>“If your Majesty makes no more serious demands upon our loyalty than +this he will be well served,” he answered. “There is no one more fit +to command than you, sir. The present admirable disposition of our +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[Pg 259]</a></span>forces is yours, not mine; so far I have been no more than a +figurehead. Your plan of entrenchments has been a revelation to all of +us.”</p> + +<p>There arose a little murmur of approval. Reist’s defection was +amazing, but this was the man who alone could save Theos. Ughtred felt +a glow of pride and gratitude as he shook hands with his chief +officers.</p> + +<p>“And now, General,” he said, “I must ask you to transfer your staff to +me in order that I may give some instructions. The Turkish lines are +clearly in view from our positions, I believe?”</p> + +<p>The General bowed.</p> + +<p>“We have reports every twenty minutes, your Majesty,” he answered. +“Anything in the nature of a surprise is impossible.”</p> + +<p>“Very well,” Ughtred said. “Now, General, will you let me have in the +course of half-an-hour an escort of two hundred picked men. I am going +to enter Solika.”</p> + +<p>Dartnoff dispatched an officer with instructions. Then he turned to +the King.</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty is aware of the state of affairs within the walls?”</p> + +<p>Ughtred nodded.</p> + +<p>“Yes. I want the help of two or three residents of the city whose +loyalty is above suspicion. Can you point out such to me?”</p> + +<p>“More than two or three, I think, your Majesty,” Dartnoff answered. “I +will give their names to the officer commanding your escort.”</p> + +<p>Ughtred sat down at the head of the table.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[Pg 260]</a></span></p><p>“Let them bring some coffee then at once. In an hour I wish to start +for Solika. The officers of my staff, and you, General Dartnoff, will +please remain.”</p> + +<p>Breakfast was brought, and Ughtred talked for a few minutes to them +all. He then explained that during the campaign he desired to rank as +General only, to be addressed as sir, to be treated as commanding +officer, and not as King. For the most part the officers were Thetians +and Austro-Thetians. Keen soldiers and well up to their work, for, in +addition to their regular duties, the drilling of the armed population +had also devolved upon them. Ughtred looked them over, and his heart +grew lighter. They were a little rough perhaps, and somewhat uneasy at +first in his presence, but honest men, and soldiers to the backbone.</p> + +<p>Towards midday Solika awoke into a state of wild excitement. The King +was at the Town Hall with many of the leading inhabitants, and +extraordinary rumours were flying about. The civil populace was to be +invited to bear arms, foreigners were to be expelled, a great blow was +to be struck at the mixed population, whose loyalty was doubtful. Fact +followed fast upon the heels of rumour. The little street <i>cafés</i> were +thronged with eager groups, all studying a proclamation wet from the +press. The station was thronged with trains. All strangers must quit +Solika in twelve hours. All residents not naturalized must take the +oath of allegiance and hold themselves ready to bear arms, or leave in +twenty-four hours. Property would be respected as far as possible, but +the war laws of Theos had known no modification for five hundred +years, and on every wall <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[Pg 261]</a></span>appeared copies of the statute, and a +schedule of treasonable practices, the penalty for which was death. +Solika was in an uproar. A hasty but secret meeting of Russians was +held at the house of the Consul. It was broken up by a detachment of +soldiers, and every person there conducted in a guarded train to the +frontier. Ughtred himself rode through the streets, and read in the +faces of the angry crowds their extraction, and where their sympathy +lay. There was scarcely a native Thetian there, for the men of Theos +were excellent farmers and tillers of the land, but poor shopkeepers. +Their wants were supplied by Jews and Russians, who robbed them +regularly, and were only too ready now to welcome the coming of a +richer race. Ughtred returned to the Town Hall, and knew that he had +done well.</p> + +<p>On the steps he stopped short. He was face to face with the man whom, +more than any other, at that moment he desired to meet. It was Brand.</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[Pg 262]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXXIX" id="CHAPTER_XXXIX"></a>CHAPTER XXXIX</h2> + +<p>“At last,” Brand exclaimed, with a gesture of relief. “I have been +looking for you everywhere.”</p> + +<p>Ughtred glanced round. They were surrounded by a considerable crowd.</p> + +<p>“You have something important to say to me, Brand?”</p> + +<p>“Yes.”</p> + +<p>Ughtred motioned to an orderly.</p> + +<p>“Procure a fresh horse for Mr. Brand,” he said. “You will ride back to +camp with me, Brand. We shall be away from this rabble then.”</p> + +<p>It was not until they were absolutely alone that Brand spoke.</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty,” he said, “Nicholas of Reist is a traitor.”</p> + +<p>The King turned in his saddle.</p> + +<p>“I cannot believe that, my friend,” he said. “Reist has quarrelled +with me personally, and has resigned his command in the army. But that +does not make him a traitor.”</p> + +<p>“Perhaps not,” Brand answered, drily, “but association with Domiloff +does.”</p> + +<p>Ughtred started. His face and his tone alike gave evidence of his +unbelief. He even smiled.</p> + +<p>“You are mistaken, my dear Brand,” he said. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[Pg 263]</a></span>“Reist is a patriot and a +nobleman. He would never stoop to league himself with such scum.”</p> + +<p>“I presume that my eyes are sufficient evidence,” Brand answered, +quietly. “I myself saw Reist and Domiloff meet last night at a low +<i>café</i> in Theos. I overheard part of their conversation.”</p> + +<p>The King’s face was as the face of a man who has received a blow. For +a moment or two he remained silent.</p> + +<p>“They may have met by accident,” he said, at last, looking +half-fearfully towards Brand. “Domiloff may have proposed things to +Reist, but he would not listen, no, he surely would not listen.”</p> + +<p>“You are mistaken,” Brand declared, grimly. “He met Domiloff by +appointment, and he listened with interest to all that he had to say.”</p> + +<p>“How do you know this, Brand?” the King asked.</p> + +<p>“I have been watching the place for some time—and Domiloff. It ought +to be burned. It is a hotbed of treason and Russian intrigue. I saw +the meeting and heard part of the conversation. Unfortunately I was +discovered.”</p> + +<p>“You were discovered?” Ughtred repeated.</p> + +<p>“And Domiloff put a bullet through my hat,” Brand continued. “I +escaped, but it was a close thing. Since then I have had an +opportunity of appreciating how widespread have been Domiloff’s +snares. My life has been attempted twice, and I have been misled by +forged letters as to your whereabouts. I have been to Althea and +Morania in search of you.”</p> + +<p>“And you heard some part of what passed between Domiloff and Reist?”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[Pg 264]</a></span></p><p>“Yes. Domiloff offered Reist the crown of Theos and Russian +intervention in the present war.”</p> + +<p>“And Russian protection afterwards, I suppose,” Ughtred remarked, +bitterly.</p> + +<p>“That is, of course, what is behind it all,” Brand assented.</p> + +<p>The face of the King grew stern and thoughtful. There was silence +between the two men for some time.</p> + +<p>“If any other man had told me of this,” Ughtred said at last, “frankly +I should not have believed them. It was Nicholas of Reist who was +always warning me of Russia and Russian intrigue. He seemed to read +Domiloff like a book.”</p> + +<p>“The quarrel which you spoke of between yourself and Reist,” Brand +said, thoughtfully—“was it serious?”</p> + +<p>“It was forced upon me,” Ughtred answered. “The Countess most +unfortunately came to my room last night by the secret passage to warn +me against—well, Brand, I do not see why I should not be frank with +you—against an alliance with Sara Van Decht.”</p> + +<p>“She came—of her own will—without any suggestion from you?” Brand +asked.</p> + +<p>“Of course!” Ughtred answered. “I may not be a model of etiquette, but +I should never dream of soliciting, of welcoming an interview from +even so old a friend as the Countess of Reist under such +circumstances. Well, in the midst of our conversation, which I was +doing my best to curtail, her brother arrived unexpectedly from Solika +and found us together. He chose to consider her presence in my room +compromising, and demanded that I should marry her. After that—chaos. +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[Pg 265]</a></span>As I told you, Reist has given up his command and deserted me. I +believe that I have promised to fight him after the war is over.”</p> + +<p>“And the Countess?” Brand asked.</p> + +<p>The King smiled bitterly.</p> + +<p>“She too seems to be my enemy, though why I cannot imagine. She, at +any rate, can bear no ill-will to me over that unfortunate affair of +the betrothal cup, for she has told me plainly that she loves another +man.”</p> + +<p>Brand’s horse seemed to stumble, and his face was invisible for a +moment as he stooped down to pat her neck. When he looked up there was +a curious gleam in his eyes.</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty,” he said, “I am very sorry that this has happened. I +believe that Domiloff is working very hard to induce the Duke of Reist +to join in his plot against you.”</p> + +<p>The King looked sorrowfully away.</p> + +<p>“Nicholas was my one friend here,” he said. “I have only my soldiers +now. God grant that their lives may not be frittered away—that we may +not lose by treason what we gain in battle.”</p> + +<p>They talked for a while of the campaign. Brand, from his brief visit +to Althea and Morania, was already conversant with the plan of +operations. An old war correspondent, the muttering of the guns was +like music to him.</p> + +<p>“You should be able to hold your positions for a fortnight,” he +declared, “and by that time Theos will be ready for a siege. I see +that you are making preparations for a retreat there.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[Pg 266]</a></span></p><p>“The women and children are being sent away every hour,” the King +answered. “I know that my men here are staunch, and so far as they are +concerned the Turks will find nothing but a heap of smoking ruins when +they enter Theos. It is not the actual fighting which troubles me, +Brand.”</p> + +<p>Brand looked into the King’s anxious face, and found there some clue +to his doubtful words. He pointed with his riding whip to the distant +city.</p> + +<p>“It is treachery which you fear?” he remarked softly.</p> + +<p>Ughtred nodded.</p> + +<p>“I will tell you,” he said, “there is something going on there which I +cannot understand. It is Domiloff’s work. I am sure of that. At the +meeting of the Council last night I seemed to be somehow conscious of +a general atmosphere of intrigue. There is something going on behind +my back. Doxis plainly hinted that it would be better to make terms +than waste the whole country by an impossible resistance, and when I +asked him ‘terms with whom?’ he was silent. We know that the Turks +have no terms to offer save unconditional surrender. What did he mean, +then?”</p> + +<p>“I fear,” Brand said, “that Domiloff’s schemes are more deeply laid +than we at first believed. What a pity that he was ever allowed to +remain in Theos.”</p> + +<p>“I sent him to the frontier once,” Ughtred said. “He came back +secretly.”</p> + +<p>“But your police?”</p> + +<p>“Theos has no police now,” Ughtred answered. “They are fighting at +Althea. We could not afford to leave a hundred able-bodied men in the +city.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[Pg 267]</a></span></p><p>Brand reined in his horse. The two men were on a hill from which the +outposts of the Turkish army were distinctly visible. Brand took out +his glasses and swept the country steadily for several minutes.</p> + +<p>“I have a proposition to make,” he said, after he had finished his +survey. “I do not think that there will be any fighting to-day. If you +like I will return to Theos and endeavour to find out what is going +on.”</p> + +<p>The King held out his hand.</p> + +<p>“If you will do this for me,” he said, simply, “it will be the service +of a friend. I think that I need friends now very badly.”</p> + +<p>So Brand turned his horse’s head towards Theos, and the King rode down +into the camp alone.</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[Pg 268]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XL" id="CHAPTER_XL"></a>CHAPTER XL</h2> + +<p>“You!”</p> + +<p>Marie of Reist rose with a sudden swift movement from the sofa where +she had been lying.</p> + +<p>“I trust that my visit is not as unwelcome as it seems to be +surprising,” he remarked, crossing the room towards her. “I am taking +advantage——”</p> + +<p>She held up her hand—a quick, impulsive gesture of silence.</p> + +<p>“Hush!” she whispered. “Do not say another word. Follow me and tread +lightly.”</p> + +<p>He followed her into the circular stone wall, hung with ancient +paintings, and where no light ever came save through those wonderful +stained glass windows, the gift of an Emperor to Rudolph of Tyrnaus. +They passed along a passage, up some stairs, and into a sitting-room. +She closed the door softly, and stood for a moment with her hand still +upon the handle, listening. Then, as all seemed quiet below, the fear +passed from her eyes, and she smiled upon him.</p> + +<p>“Are you mad to come here?” she asked, softly. “You ought not to show +yourself in the streets. Do you not know that you are the most +unpopular person in Theos?”</p> + +<p>“I can assure you that I was not aware of it,” he answered. “In any +case, who in this house would be likely to wish me harm?”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[Pg 269]</a></span></p><p>“You are quite safe here, I think,” she answered, ignoring his +question. “My brother and some friends were in the next room +down-stairs. I was afraid that they might hear your voice.”</p> + +<p>He sat down on the sofa beside her.</p> + +<p>“I am not inclined,” he said, “to quarrel with my good fortune. But as +a matter of fact, it is your brother whom I wish to see. There is no +reason why I should not—that I know of.”</p> + +<p>She shook her head.</p> + +<p>“Nevertheless,” she said, “be content to stay with me. It will be +better for you. Oh yes, a very great deal better.”</p> + +<p>Brand moved a little nearer. It was certain that there was much which +he could learn from her.</p> + +<p>“It is very pleasant to see you again, Countess!” he remarked.</p> + +<p>She shrugged her shoulders.</p> + +<p>“Countess?”</p> + +<p>The colour flushed under his tanned cheeks. He looked away.</p> + +<p>“Marie, then—if you will permit!”</p> + +<p>“I do permit,” she murmured, “only you must not say it very +often—until I get used to it. Oh, my friend, how glad I am to see +you, and yet how dangerous it is. Why do you go on filling all the +newspapers in Europe with your letters from Theos, and your praises of +the King? You have made enemies here. You are even now being sought +for.”</p> + +<p>He smiled grimly.</p> + +<p>“I thought that I must be becoming unpopular,” he <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[Pg 270]</a></span>said. “People are +so anxious to find me that they send bullets—mostly very badly aimed +ones—after me in the street. I do not understand it.”</p> + +<p>She shuddered and glanced nervously around her. The window by which +they sat was commanded by another in the eastward wing of the house. +She looked at it for a moment, and her eyes were full of fear once +more.</p> + +<p>“Even now,” she murmured, “I believe that we are being watched. Look, +do you see anything?”</p> + +<p>He stood by her side, but the window was empty enough. Below, the +square and streets beyond were strangely empty. A sense of desolation +brooded over the place.</p> + +<p>“I see nothing,” he answered. “I really don’t think that we need alarm +ourselves.”</p> + +<p>She drew him away to the lounge heaped with furs and drawn up to the +fire. An easel was standing in one corner of the room, and behind a +piano. The walls were hung with water-colours and sketches, and the +air was fragrant with the odour of burning logs. Beyond was an inner +apartment.</p> + +<p>“You are the first man, except Nicholas my brother,” she said, “who +has ever been in here. Remember that, please, and be very obedient. +You will do all that I tell you. Will you promise?”</p> + +<p>“Blindly,” he answered, “if you will ask me nothing impossible.”</p> + +<p>“I shall not do that. I am going to ask you something for your own +good. You must leave off writing those letters to the English +newspapers.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[Pg 271]</a></span></p><p>He was suddenly very quiet and still. But he turned and looked at her.</p> + +<p>“Why?”</p> + +<p>“Because it is for your safety, for the good of Theos, and because it +is my wish.”</p> + +<p>“Your wish—and whose else?”</p> + +<p>“My brother’s.”</p> + +<p>There was a moment’s silence. She saw signs of a new sternness about +the closely-drawn lips, the steel-grey eyes, from which a momentary +tenderness seemed to have vanished.</p> + +<p>“It is true, then, what I hear,” he said, slowly. “Your brother has +deserted the King?”</p> + +<p>The change in her mood matched his. She drew herself up and looked at +him with flashing eyes and uplifted head.</p> + +<p>“My brother will not continue his allegiance to a sovereign who +proposes to raise a tradesman’s daughter to the throne of Theos, and +who has offered an insult to our family.”</p> + +<p>“I am sorry to hear you talk like this,” he answered. “The King has +not willingly affronted you. It was your brother to whom he owes his +throne. He has not forgotten it—he is never likely to forget it. He +regarded you both as his best friends here. As for Sara Van Decht, the +King would take no step without the sanction and consent of his +people. She will be one of the richest women in Europe, and the whole +of her dowry would be spent for the good of Theos. Even then if the +voice of the people were against it the King would yield. The one aim +of his life is the welfare of Theos and her people.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[Pg 272]</a></span></p><p>“So far in his care of them,” she said, scornfully, “he has met with +but little success. When before have the Turks crossed the frontier of +our territory? When before have we been in such grievous straits as +these?”</p> + +<p>“For these things,” he answered, “the King is blameless. This invasion +of Theos is a long planned undertaking. Nothing could have stopped it. +I believe that no other man in the world would have met the situation +with so much skill and so resourcefully.”</p> + +<p>She was silent for a moment. Her very calmness seemed ominous. It +seemed to him that underneath she was trembling with passion.</p> + +<p>“Marie,” he said, “I wonder that you are so blinded by this senseless +prejudice against the King. But leave him for the moment out of the +question. You love your country. For centuries the name of your family +has been a great one in the history of Theos. Yet to-day both you and +your brother are making a terrible mistake. You are drifting towards +her enemies.”</p> + +<p>“Enough!” she cried. “I can see that you are still for the King.”</p> + +<p>“Most surely,” he answered.</p> + +<p>“You will not discontinue those letters?”</p> + +<p>“No!”</p> + +<p>She pointed to the door.</p> + +<p>“Find your way out—if you can,” she ordered, furiously. “I do not +care what becomes of you. Only leave me!”</p> + +<p>He took a quick step towards her, and grasped her wrists.</p> + +<p>“Marie,” he said, with a sudden hoarse passion, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[Pg 273]</a></span>“you can send me out +to be shot if you like, but you shall kiss me first.”</p> + +<p>Her anger passed away like magic. Her slender arms drew his face down +to hers. Her eyes were soft with tears.</p> + +<p>“Dear,” she murmured, “you shall not leave me like this. I thought +that you had come here to join us—because you knew that I wanted you. +And you speak only of the King as your friend—who is our enemy. Will +you not be reasonable? There are brighter days in store for Theos. +Stay with us and share them.”</p> + +<p>He shook his head sadly.</p> + +<p>“You are being deceived,” he said. “There is only one man who can save +this country, and that man is Ughtred of Tyrnaus. He is +honest—Domiloff is a rogue. These schemes of his have but one +possible ending, and that is slavery for Theos—the total loss of her +independence. Oh, it is all so plain, Marie—Domiloff’s wiles are so +transparent. Let me see your brother and reconcile him to the King.”</p> + +<p>“It is too late,” she answered. “It is impossible.”</p> + +<p>“I have come here with a message from the King to him,” he declared. +“I must at least deliver it.”</p> + +<p>Her eyes gleamed with passion. Suddenly she threw her arms around his +neck.</p> + +<p>“You are very foolish, and I don’t know why I should care for you,” +she cried, “but I do, I do! Listen. This is not your country. You are +not a Thetian subject; the King has no claim upon you. If you will not +help us, go away until it is all over. You can easily do that. Go away +and wait. I will send for you when <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[Pg 274]</a></span>it is all over. You will see then +that I was right. No! you must not kiss me any more, dear. You must do +as I say. Listen!”</p> + +<p>She sprang away from him. There were footsteps in the corridor +outside. Her face was ashen, a look of terror flashed in her eyes.</p> + +<p>“They have found you out,” she cried. “It is Domiloff and his men. +Heaven help us!”</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[Pg 275]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XLI" id="CHAPTER_XLI"></a>CHAPTER XLI</h2> + +<p>But, after all, it was only Nicholas of Reist who entered. He closed +the door behind him carefully, and approached them. Brand stepped +forward.</p> + +<p>“I have a message for you,” he said.</p> + +<p>Reist smiled.</p> + +<p>“A message which it seems you found necessary to deliver to my +sister,” he remarked. “I have not been informed of your desire to see +me.”</p> + +<p>“I should not have left the house without doing so,” Brand answered. +“My message is from the King.”</p> + +<p>“Proceed.”</p> + +<p>Reist stood motionless before the window. In the clear daylight the +physical change in the man was painful enough to witness. The flesh +had fallen away from his cheeks, leaving great hollows underneath his +eyes. His forehead was furrowed with lines, his pallor was unnatural +and unwholesome. Brand saw these things, and wondered more than ever +how the defection of such a man could have been brought about.</p> + +<p>“The King bade me seek you out and remind you that in all human +probability before to-morrow’s sun has set the great battle will have +been fought. The Turks are concentrating before Solika, and it is +there that we shall fight. Your men are asking for you. At such a +crisis in the history of your country the King does not believe that +you will be content to sit in idleness. He <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[Pg 276]</a></span>bids you come, and +afterwards seek for redress, if any is needed, in the matters which +rest between you and him.”</p> + +<p>“I thank you,” Reist said, slowly. “To the King I return no answer to +his message. To you I say this. I have lost confidence in Ughtred of +Tyrnaus. I regret that my hand ever raised him to the throne. I +recognize him no longer as the ruler of this country.”</p> + +<p>“Then you are a rebel?” Brand exclaimed. “Is that what you mean?”</p> + +<p>Reist’s dark eyes were lit with fire.</p> + +<p>“Be careful, sir,” he said, fiercely. “Those are not the words to be +used to a Duke of Reist. By inheritance and by virtue of my name I, +too, am the guardian of these people of Theos. I have lived with them +all my life, as did my fathers and my grandfathers before me. Their +freedom and their happiness are a solemn charge to me. I have come to +the conclusion that Ughtred of Tyrnaus is not able to maintain for +them either.”</p> + +<p>“Then who is?” Brand asked. “This war is none of his seeking. How in +God’s name could he do more for Theos than stand at the head of her +people with drawn sword, prepared to die rather than submit to this +barbarous invasion? Is there higher patriotism than this?”</p> + +<p>“The King is your friend,” Reist answered, “and you judge him from +your own standpoint. Yet I am willing to admit that he is a brave man. +Few cowards have ever sprung from Thetian stock. But bravery is not +everything, and in the present case it can avail him <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[Pg 277]</a></span>nothing. The +odds are too overwhelming. If Theos is to be saved it will not be at +the point of the sword.”</p> + +<p>Brand was within an ace of losing his temper. His cheeks were flushed +and his voice was not so steady as usual.</p> + +<p>“Theos will never be saved by those who plot with such rogues as +Domiloff behind the city walls,” he exclaimed. “Duke of Reist, I know +you to be a brave man, or I would not dare to use these words to you. +You are being grossly deceived. The Turks, and now you, are the +catspaw of Russia. Domiloff’s mission is to secure Theos for a Russian +state. Oh, can’t you see through his miserable scheming? I am an +outsider in the game. Perhaps for that reason I am the better judge—I +see the clearer. It is so simple! There will be a supposed rising of +the people. You, or another of Domiloff’s puppets, will be set up as +King or Protector. The hand of Turkey will be stayed I grant you, but +at the cost of an indemnity which you will never be able to pay. There +will be a Russian loan, secured upon the customs and the receipts of +the country. Every link in the chain of bondage is as clear as day. +Russians will stream over your frontiers and settle in your cities. +Everywhere Theos will have to give way to the new influence. In ten +years at the most the thing will be complete. Theos will become a +second Poland. Duke of Reist, you are at heart a patriot and a brave +soldier, but you are no match for Domiloff in what he would call his +modern diplomacy. Arrest him. His presence in the city is illegal. You +have every justification. Out to the camp and take your place by the +King’s side. I <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">[Pg 278]</a></span>know something of war, and I know that your cause is +far from hopeless. At least you can hold the Turks in check, and I +tell you that intervention is no longer a dream. England is at this +moment hesitating, and if she moves Germany will stand by her. Don’t +make the mistake of your life. Take down your sword, order your horses +and ride with me to Solika.”</p> + +<p>It was obvious that Reist was moved. A spot of colour burned in his +cheeks, and he glanced for a moment at his sister as though for +guidance. She too was agitated. Brand turned to her.</p> + +<p>“Countess,” he exclaimed, “will you not add your words to mine? I come +here as your friend. The King is guiltless of all offence towards you. +Plead with your brother. Beg him to ride with me to the King.”</p> + +<p>She laid her hand softly upon his.</p> + +<p>“My friend,” she said, “you have spoken like a brave man and an honest +man, and both my brother and I respect you very much for it. But you +are a stranger here, and we are Thetians. We know our country and her +needs better than you. We do not believe that Ughtred of Tyrnaus is +the man to save her. He is too, what you call in the west, democratic +for an ancient kingdom. The heart of the people is not with him. As +for Domiloff, we do not trust wholly to him. We are not quite so blind +as you would have us believe. Yet we need friends—and, believe me—we +shall know how to reward them. Stay here with us, Mr. Brand. We will +try to treat you so that you shall never regret it.”</p> + +<p>The upward glance of her dark eyes was eloquent enough, but Brand only +shook his head.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[Pg 279]</a></span></p><p>“I am for the King,” he said.</p> + +<p>“And I,” the Duke of Reist said, with a sudden vehemence, “am for my +country. Mr. Brand, you are answered. You have my permission to repeat +the whole of our conversation to the King. Now as to yourself. You are +a brave man, and I do not care to see harm come to such. Leave this +house at once. Marie will show you an exit from this side. You are in +danger from which even I am powerless to protect you.”</p> + +<p>“I thank you,” Brand answered, taking up his hat. “Your friend +Domiloff is, I suppose, still anxious as to my whereabouts. And in all +probability—here he is.”</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">[Pg 280]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XLII" id="CHAPTER_XLII"></a>CHAPTER XLII</h2> + +<p>There was a sharp tap at the door. Marie and her brother exchanged +quick glances. Brand stepped forward, but Marie waved him back.</p> + +<p>“Who is there?” she called out.</p> + +<p>“It is I, Baron Domiloff,” was the suave answer. “I regret very much +to intrude, but I have urgent business with your friend Mr. Brand. Can +I come in?”</p> + +<p>She hesitated. After all, any attempt to keep him out must be futile.</p> + +<p>“You can come in,” she answered.</p> + +<p>The door opened, and Domiloff entered. He bowed low before the +Countess, but there was an evil smile upon his lips when his eyes met +Brand’s.</p> + +<p>“This is a very fortunate meeting, Mr. Brand,” he declared. “It saves +us the trouble of searching for you. Only an hour ago, my dear sir, +the Countess and I were speaking of you.”</p> + +<p>“So far as the Countess was concerned,” Brand answered, dryly, “I am +honoured.”</p> + +<p>Domiloff shrugged his shoulders. He turned to Nicholas with a smile +which was meant to be good-humoured.</p> + +<p>“Mr. Brand imagines perhaps that I bear him some ill-will for that +previous little <i>rencontre</i> between us, in which, by the bye, I must +admit that I had very much <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">[Pg 281]</a></span>the worst of it. I can assure him most +sincerely that it is not so.”</p> + +<p>Brand shrugged his shoulders.</p> + +<p>“We have met since then, Baron Domiloff, I think,” he said, “and even +you must admit that a revolver bullet through one’s hat is scarcely a +message of good will.”</p> + +<p>Domiloff was bewildered. Was this a joke, or was his friend—his very +good friend, Mr. Walter Brand—under some hallucination? Brand turned +from him impatiently.</p> + +<p>“The matter is not one which will repay discussion,” he said. +“Countess, I regret that I must offer you my adieux.”</p> + +<p>Domiloff held up his hand.</p> + +<p>“One moment,” he said, persuasively. “We are all three here together +now, and the opportunity is too excellent to be lost. The Duke of +Reist, the Countess, and I have something in common to say to you. You +will spare us a few moments—and your best attention, my dear Mr. +Brand.”</p> + +<p>“By all means,” Brand answered. “‘Something in common’ to say to me +sounds interesting. I am at your service.”</p> + +<p>“It concerns the daily letters which you cable from here to London on +behalf of the newspaper to which you are attached,” Domiloff said, +slowly.</p> + +<p>“Indeed,” Brand answered. “I am flattered that you should have +troubled to read them.”</p> + +<p>“From a literary point of view,” Domiloff admitted, “they are +admirable. Politically I regret to say that we find them mischievous.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">[Pg 282]</a></span></p><p>Brand laughed scornfully.</p> + +<p>“Perhaps you are not altogether an impartial judge,” he remarked. +“Will you proceed, please?”</p> + +<p>“Those letters, I am afraid, must be discontinued,” Domiloff said.</p> + +<p>Brand stared at him.</p> + +<p>“Don’t talk rubbish,” he exclaimed. “‘Must be discontinued,’ indeed! +Why, I consider your objection to them the highest compliment which I +could possibly receive. As if anything which you could say would make +me alter my views.”</p> + +<p>Domiloff smiled. It was a very faint, but a very evil smile.</p> + +<p>“It is not,” he protested, “what I might say, but what I might do. I +take it for granted that either the Duke of Reist or the Countess has +spoken with you on this matter, and I will not therefore waste my +breath. It is sufficient to tell you this! Your present attitude is +harmful to what we consider the best interests of Theos. You must +either undertake to send no more cables or remain here as our +prisoner.”</p> + +<p>Brand glanced towards the Countess, and in his eyes there was a +merciless inquisitive light.</p> + +<p>“So I am in a nest of conspirators,” he remarked, dryly. “There is no +longer any doubt about it. I do not know, Baron Domiloff, what magic +you use to pervert honest men, but your success is certainly +astounding. Now let me pass.”</p> + +<p>With a quick movement his revolver flashed out, and Domiloff was +covered. Perfectly self-possessed, the Russian bowed, and stood away +from the door, but <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">[Pg 283]</a></span>Brand reached it only to be confronted by +half-a-dozen naked sabres. The landing was held by a small company of +Russian soldiers.</p> + +<p>“For the protection of the Russian Embassy,” Baron Domiloff remarked, +sardonically. “Now, Mr. Brand, will you put your revolver away, and +listen to reason?”</p> + +<p>Brand turned to Marie. He was white with rage.</p> + +<p>“Countess,” he demanded. “I entered this room at your invitation. Was +this arranged for? Is this a trap of your setting?”</p> + +<p>A little cry of pain broke from her lips. She recovered herself almost +immediately.</p> + +<p>“Did I know,” she asked, “that you were coming?”</p> + +<p>He was silent. In his heart he had already absolved her.</p> + +<p>“Countess,” he said, “forgive me. I spoke hastily. Duke of Reist, I +appeal to you. This is your house, and I entered it openly and upon a +legitimate errand. I remained here as your guest. I demand a safe +conduct from it. Order that man to remove his soldiers.”</p> + +<p>Marie stepped forward.</p> + +<p>“Nicholas,” she cried, “he is right. We cannot have the Reist house +turned into a nest of brigands. Baron Domiloff, these are my +apartments. Your presence is an intrusion which I do not choose to +tolerate. Be so good as to withdraw and take your men with you.”</p> + +<p>“My dear lady,” he declared, “it is impossible.”</p> + +<p>A fierce answer trembled upon Marie’s lips, but Nicholas held out his +hand.</p> + +<p>“Silence, Marie,” he said. “Mr. Brand has made an appeal which it is +very difficult for me to ignore. He is <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">[Pg 284]</a></span>under my roof, and to some +extent he is entitled to my protection. But there are limits to the +obligations even of hospitality. There have been things spoken of in +his presence which must not be repeated.”</p> + +<p>“The safety and welfare of Theos,” Domiloff said, solemnly, “must +eclipse all other considerations. Mr. Brand came here of his own +accord.”</p> + +<p>Reist turned to Brand.</p> + +<p>“Are you prepared,” he said, “to keep silence as to all that has +transpired since you crossed the threshold of this house? I will be +content with your word of honour.”</p> + +<p>“No!” Brand answered, firmly. “I cannot make any such promise.”</p> + +<p>Marie turned upon them both with flaming cheeks.</p> + +<p>“Let the King know all,” she cried. “What does it matter now? This is +my house, as well as yours, Nicholas, and I say that Mr. Brand shall +leave it when and how he pleases. Baron Domiloff, I order you to +withdraw, and take your soldiers with you.”</p> + +<p>But Domiloff only shook his head.</p> + +<p>“Countess,” he said, “for your brother’s sake and the sake of Theos I +cannot do as you ask. This man’s silence for a few days at least is +the one thing necessary to secure our success.”</p> + +<p>“Then my silence will be the silence of death,” Brand answered, +fiercely. “If you will not let me pass peaceably, I shall fight my way +as far as I am able. Stand away, Domiloff. You cursed spy.”</p> + +<p>Marie sprang between them. She pushed Brand back.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">[Pg 285]</a></span></p><p>“Nicholas,” she said, “this is not your affair. It is between Baron +Domiloff and myself. You recognize that?”</p> + +<p>“Entirely!” he answered.</p> + +<p>“Then will you leave it in my hands?” she begged.</p> + +<p>He hesitated for a moment, but a glance into her face reassured him.</p> + +<p>“I am content,” he said, and left them.</p> + +<p>She turned to Domiloff.</p> + +<p>“Baron,” she said, “if you do not let Mr. Brand pass unhurt our +compact is at an end.”</p> + +<p>He held up his hands in eager expostulation.</p> + +<p>“I wish your friend no harm, Countess,” he declared, “but believe me, +his reports are doing us every possible injury. Besides, he will carry +word of this to the King. It is impossible to let him go. I will +withdraw my men if you like, while you reason with him. It is his +silence only we require.”</p> + +<p>She turned to Brand.</p> + +<p>“You hear?”</p> + +<p>He nodded.</p> + +<p>“My silence,” he answered, “is not to be bought. The King is my +friend, and his cause is mine. Apart from that it is my duty as an +honest man to upset the scheming of such rogues as that,” he pointed +to Domiloff. “In two minutes, Countess, I shall leave this room—dead +or alive.”</p> + +<p>Domiloff was very pale, but he remained calm. Marie left him and +placed her hands in Brand’s. She looked up into his face fondly.</p> + +<p>“You are quite right,” she said. “I honour you for your words.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">[Pg 286]</a></span></p><p>Then she turned to Domiloff.</p> + +<p>“Listen,” she said. “You will permit Mr. Brand to pass uninjured, or I +shall go at once to Nicholas, and tell him not only all that I know, +but what I suspect. You understand me! I shall tell him—the whole +truth. I go also to the King, and I tell him—the whole truth. I go +also to the House of Laws, I anticipate your proclamation to them, and +I announce—the whole truth. These are not empty threats. I swear to +you that I will do these things.”</p> + +<p>Domiloff regarded her thoughtfully. His expression was inscrutable.</p> + +<p>“You will not risk the success of all our plans,” he said, slowly. +“You will even sacrifice your country that this man may go safely. You +are serious? It is in your mind that you are the Countess Marie of +Reist, and he—the paid writer in an English newspaper. Forgive me +that I speak of this. It is incredible.”</p> + +<p>“It is nevertheless true,” she answered, firmly. “Your answer.”</p> + +<p>He bowed low.</p> + +<p>“Mr. Walter Brand,” he said, “is fortunate. He is welcome to depart.”</p> + +<p>“Wait!”</p> + +<p>She crossed the room, and from a cedar box on the mantelshelf drew out +a small shining revolver. She stood facing Domiloff.</p> + +<p>“My friend,” she said, “so I shall remain until Mr. Brand has left the +house and waves to me from the street below. And if there is treachery +I give you <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">[Pg 287]</a></span>my word that I shall fire. You have seen me use a +revolver. You know that this is not play with me.”</p> + +<p>“Mr. Brand,” he repeated, “is fortunate indeed.”</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">[Pg 288]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XLIII" id="CHAPTER_XLIII"></a>CHAPTER XLIII</h2> + +<p>Once more the beacons flared in a long, lurid line from the +mountain-tops, rockets screamed into the night, and away from south of +Solika came the heavy roll of guns plainly to be heard in the anxious +city. Rumours were plentiful. The Turks were already streaming through +the passes! A great battle was on hand! Solika had fallen! The streets +and squares of Theos were filled with an excited and restless mob, +mostly composed of old men, children, and women, with a sprinkling of +foreigners. The outdoor <i>cafés</i> were filled, people stood about in +little knots together, talking eagerly. Up at the railway station a +constant stream of refugees waited patiently for trains to take them +northwards.</p> + +<p>There were no trams running, or carriages. The Government had +subsidized the horses, and most of the men had gone to the front. All +night long gangs of navvies in squads were working at the +fortifications by searchlight. From all the country places stores were +pouring in.</p> + +<p>Towards morning the roar of distant artillery increased, and those who +listened keenly fancied that they could hear the sharper rattle of +Maxims and machine-guns. Trains began to crawl in from the front full +of wounded. From them something of the truth was gathered. The King +had made a forced march, himself had <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">[Pg 289]</a></span>crossed the frontier, and +fiercely attacked the Turkish army. So far all had gone well. The +Turks were falling back, and had already lost two guns.</p> + +<p>In the grey dawn Sara hastened to the hospital, which was already +almost full. The regular nurses were out at the front, and their +places were mostly taken by volunteers—the suggestion having come +from Sara herself. Everywhere the news was being eagerly discussed. +Solika was being turned into a military base. At Althea the position +had been so strengthened as to be now impregnable. The King was the +idol of his army, and the military fever burned fiercely.</p> + +<p>At midday, news! A telegram from Solika announced that the King was +returning across the frontier, having completely scattered the Turkish +army, inflicted great loss upon them, and captured four guns. The Town +Master caused a copy of the telegram to be posted in the market-place, +and the bells of the Cathedral were rung. Later on it was whispered +about that the victory had come very near being turned into total and +irredeemable disaster. For the Thetians, chasing the flying Turks +through a difficult country, were suddenly met by an unexpected rally, +and stretching on both sides of them like a gigantic crescent was a +great army of reinforcements. With great skill Ughtred had extricated +his army, and regained the shelter of Solika. But the joy of their +victory was damped. The enemy were in strength which seemed absolutely +overwhelming.</p> + +<p>Towards afternoon there came shouts from the railway station. Through +the crowd, which gave him clear passage, cheering vigorously, Ughtred +was driven towards <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290">[Pg 290]</a></span>the palace. He looked pale and dishevelled, and +his uniform showed that he had not been an idle spectator of the +fighting. He waved his hand affectionately to the crowd, but was +clearly preoccupied. At the palace he sent for his State Secretary and +Mr. Thexis, the leader of the Government party in the House of Laws. +An informal Council meeting was summoned, and hastily attended by the +leading members of the House.</p> + +<hr class="medium" /> + +<p>An hour afterwards Sara was summoned from the midst of her work at the +hospital by an urgent note. At the Villa she found Ughtred waiting for +her.</p> + +<p>“You,” she cried, softly. “How dare you fetch me away from my work?”</p> + +<p>Then, as a clearer impression of his appearance came to her, standing +in the white noonday sunshine, she became anxious.</p> + +<p>“You are not hurt?” she cried. “Nothing has gone amiss?”</p> + +<p>He tightened his clasp upon her hands.</p> + +<p>“Hurt, no! I took too great care of myself. We have won our first +battle, too, Sara. My men fought splendidly.”</p> + +<p>She nodded.</p> + +<p>“At the hospital,” she said, “even the badly wounded are full of +enthusiasm. Tell me! You have more news, have you not?”</p> + +<p>He nodded.</p> + +<p>“We crossed the border in pursuit,” he said, “and we saw with our own +eyes what the scouts who are <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291">[Pg 291]</a></span>coming in continually report. The whole +of the Turkish army has been mobilized, and is being massed upon our +borders. That is to say, two hundred thousand of the finest soldiers +in the world are almost at our gates. All told, we number sixteen +thousand.”</p> + +<p>The tears stood in her eyes. She pressed his hands silently.</p> + +<p>“I’m afraid I don’t understand these things,” she said, “but an +unprovoked attack like this seems like a return to ancient history. It +is barbarous. Can you not appeal to the Powers?”</p> + +<p>“That I have done,” he answered, sadly, “but you must remember that +this is the fruit of Russia’s intrigue. Turkey is only a catspaw. She +holds France, of course, and the eternal policy of Germany is to keep +friends with Russia. There is only England.”</p> + +<p>“England,” she cried, hopefully. “Why you are half English yourself. +England will surely interfere.”</p> + +<p>“It is a great deal to ask,” he answered, seriously. “My friendship +can be of little account to her, and it is asking her to risk a war +for the sake of an abstract principle. Diplomatically, England would +be very unwise to interfere. As a great and generous country I have +appealed to her. But, Sara, I have little hope.”</p> + +<p>“And if she does not?”</p> + +<p>“If she does not I shall put the issue plainly before my people. If +they prefer a glorious death to serfdom, I too, being of their mind, +shall fight till this war becomes a massacre.”</p> + +<p>She smiled at him bravely.</p> + +<p>“Europe will never permit it, dear,” she said. “It <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292">[Pg 292]</a></span>would be too +terrible. See, I have faith in your destiny—and my luck. I am not +even afraid.”</p> + +<p>The courtyard rang with the sound of hoofs. A messenger from the +telegraph corps entered at the King’s summons.</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty,” he announced, “I have to announce that an hour ago a +trainload of Cossacks, numbering about five hundred, arrived at the +frontier and demanded permission to continue their journey to Theos. +Captain Operman, in accordance with your instructions, demanded their +passport. They had none to give, but their colonel produced papers +which contained their route to Theos for the protection of the Russian +Embassy there. In further accordance with your Majesty’s instructions, +Captain Operman then replied that Theos was in a perfectly peaceful +state, and the Russian Embassy was amply protected by its flag from +both belligerents. The colonel in command of the Cossacks replied that +his orders were absolute to proceed to Theos, and he had no +alternative but to obey them. Captain Operman replied that his orders +too were absolute, and he could not permit an armed body of men to +cross the frontier. In reply to this the Russians were ordered to at +once entrain. Captain Operman once more protested, and announced, +according to your Majesty’s instructions, that any further advance on +the part of the Cossacks would constitute an invasion and be +recognized as an act of war. There being no reply to this, your +Majesty’s instructions were successfully carried out to the letter.”</p> + +<p>“Tell me exactly what happened,” Ughtred asked.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293">[Pg 293]</a></span></p><p>“The whole of the rolling-stock available was blown up and the railway +line destroyed beyond the possibility of immediate repair at a dozen +places. I regret to add that several of the Cossacks were slightly +injured by the explosion.”</p> + +<p>“And is there any message from Captain Operman with reference to +horses?” Ughtred asked.</p> + +<p>“In this direction also,” the messenger replied, “your Majesty’s +instructions have been carefully carried out. The country has been +absolutely denuded of horses. It will be impossible for the Russians +to obtain more than a dozen at the outside.”</p> + +<p>“Captain Operman has carried out my instructions faithfully and well,” +Ughtred replied.</p> + +<p>The messenger bowed.</p> + +<p>“I was further desired to report, your Majesty,” he added, “that word +has just arrived that a series of explosions have occurred at +different points along the line on the other side of the frontier. +Captain Operman makes no report to your Majesty concerning these, but +he desires me to say that their effect will be to retard all +communication with Russia for several days at least.”</p> + +<p>The King smiled.</p> + +<p>“I am well served indeed,” he said. “What has become of the Cossacks?”</p> + +<p>“They are quartered at the station buildings, your Majesty. There is +no stock of provisions whatever in the vicinity, and in case they +should attempt to march to Theos all the farms <i>en route</i> have been +warned to remove their cattle and stores.”</p> + +<p>“You will present my compliments and thanks to <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294">[Pg 294]</a></span>Captain Operman,” the +King said, “and you will congratulate him on the success and spirit +with which he has carried out my orders. Further, you will request him +to report himself to me at headquarters at the earliest possible +opportunity.”</p> + +<p>The messenger bowed and withdrew. Ughtred rose and paced the room +thoughtfully.</p> + +<p>“I expected this move of Domiloff’s,” he said, looking towards Sara. +“You see Theos itself is in a queer state. Every honest man who can +bear arms is at the front. There remain in the city only a horde of +Russian Jews, who I suspect have been drafted in a few at a time, and +are only waiting a signal from Domiloff to begin rioting.”</p> + +<p>He touched a bell.</p> + +<p>“Let me speak to Mr. Ruttens,” he ordered. “He was in the ante-room a +few minutes ago.”</p> + +<p>“What are you going to do?” Sara asked.</p> + +<p>“I am going to try and arrest Domiloff,” he answered. “I fear that it +is quite useless, but an attempt must be made. There will be some +mischief before long if he is left alone.”</p> + +<p>Sara rose up and came to his side.</p> + +<p>“There are other traitors in the city besides Domiloff,” she said, “if +what they are saying is true.”</p> + +<p>A deeper shadow fell upon the King’s face.</p> + +<p>“You mean the Reists?”</p> + +<p>“It is common report.”</p> + +<p>“Nicholas of Reist has withdrawn his allegiance to me,” Ughtred said. +“Yet I do not believe that he would be concerned in anything +absolutely traitorous. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295">[Pg 295]</a></span>As for the Countess—I fear that I have +incurred her ill-will. She is friendly too, they say, with Domiloff. I +cannot see though what mischief she can do. Ruttens,” he added, +turning towards the door, “are there sufficient police left in Theos +to effect the arrest of one man?”</p> + +<p>Ruttens, grey-bearded, long since a pensioner, saluted the King +respectfully.</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty,” he answered, “it depends upon the man.”</p> + +<p>“The man is Baron Domiloff!”</p> + +<p>Ruttens shook his head.</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty,” he said, “we can make the attempt. Yesterday it would +have been possible enough. But last night half the veterans and +weaklings who have been enrolled as special police deserted.”</p> + +<p>“Deserted!” the King exclaimed, frowning.</p> + +<p>Ruttens smiled.</p> + +<p>“Deserted in order to make their way to the front, your Majesty. Old +Kennestoff, who is eighty years old, got out his rifle and went, and a +dozen more well nigh his age. I myself——”</p> + +<p>He hesitated. The King’s face had cleared.</p> + +<p>“You had my orders, Ruttens, and my special commission. A few good men +we must have in Theos.”</p> + +<p>“There are rascals enough, your Majesty,” Ruttens said, with grave +face. “There are a good many aliens, too, whose presence here I cannot +understand. They pay their way, and hang round the squares in little +groups, always whispering to themselves. They call themselves farmers +and shopkeepers from the frontier, but there is little of the Thetian +in their faces to my <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296">[Pg 296]</a></span>mind. The city were healthier cleared of them, +your Majesty.”</p> + +<p>The King smiled bitterly.</p> + +<p>“But how, my good Ruttens?” he exclaimed. “You and your few veterans +would be powerless against them.”</p> + +<p>Ruttens sighed.</p> + +<p>“It is true, your Majesty,” he answered. “To be frank, I have put them +down in my mind as creatures of Domiloff. And though to-day I will +endeavour to effect his arrest I fear very much that he is well +guarded against anything of the sort.”</p> + +<p>Once more the courtyard rang with the clatter of hoofs. There was +commotion below and in the palace.</p> + +<p>“It is word from the front,” the King cried.</p> + +<p>The messenger stood before him.</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty,” he announced, “General Dartnoff has telegraphed that +he is engaged. He adds that there seems to be some extensive movement +preparing.”</p> + +<p>Ughtred tore himself away. Sara choked back a sob, and held out both +her hands. At the moment of parting they were alone.</p> + +<p>“Good-bye, dear,” she whispered. “Do your best and have faith. I am +not afraid for you or for Theos.”</p> + +<p>He kissed her and galloped away, followed by his few attendants. Her +cheerfulness was inspiring. His heart swelled with pride at the +thought of her. She had destroyed forever his lingering superstition +as to the obligations of race—she a daughter of the democracy with +the heart and courage of a queen. Ughtred had passed through his one +hour of weakness. As the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297">[Pg 297]</a></span>engine with its one solitary carriage tore +across the plain to Solika a new and finer hopefulness was born in +him. Her words and her steadfast optimism had fired his blood. He +would fight his country’s enemy so that for very shame Europe should +cry “Hold!”</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298">[Pg 298]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XLIV" id="CHAPTER_XLIV"></a>CHAPTER XLIV</h2> + +<p>In his room, with heavy curtains closely drawn across the barred +windows to keep from his ears the distant mutterings of the guns, +Nicholas of Reist sat in torment. From below in the square he had +heard the people’s farewell to the King as he had hastened back to the +scene of action—the echoes of the city’s varying moods floated up to +him from hour to hour. And whilst all was activity, ceaseless, +restless, he alone of the men of Theos sat idle, his hands before him, +waiting for he knew not what. It was indeed torment. The blood of his +fighting forefathers was burning in his veins. To linger here in +miserable inaction whilst the war music throbbed in his ears was like +torture to him. Even Domiloff had found it best for the last few days +to leave him alone. Besides, Domiloff was busy.</p> + +<p>In a small room at the back of the house the Russian was receiving a +visitor. Before the door were half-a-dozen soldiers, and the bolts +were closely drawn. Yet even then the conversation between the two men +was tense and nervous.</p> + +<p>“To have ventured here yourself,” Domiloff said, drawing the shade +more closely over the lamp, “seems to me, my dear Hassen, a little +like bravado. You hold the wits of this people a little too cheaply. I +am not yet strong enough to protect you. If you are recognized you +will be shot at sight.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299">[Pg 299]</a></span></p><p>“One runs risks always,” the other answered carelessly, “and besides +it is your fault that I am here. Your inaction is unaccountable. There +has been no message from you for three days. I am afraid that you are +bungling matters.”</p> + +<p>“And you—what of you?” the other answered, hotly. “What were your men +doing at Solika to be driven back by a handful of half-trained +farmers? I expected the Turks at Theos to-day, and all would have been +well. Yet with eighty thousand men you do nothing. You too who have +boasted of your soldiers and your artillery as the equal of any in +Europe.”</p> + +<p>The visitor shrugged his shoulders.</p> + +<p>“Domiloff,” he said, “you are irritated and nervous. Be careful what +you say. I admit that so far we have been checked, but it is not sense +to talk of half-trained farmers. Ughtred of Tyrnaus is a fine soldier. +Mind, I was with him in Egypt, and he had a sound training there. His +dispositions against attack are excellent. He has evidently been +thinking them out since first he came here. Then you told us that he +had no modern artillery at all.”</p> + +<p>“He had not, then,” Domiloff answered. “These batteries were a present +from a rich fool of an American or his daughter.”</p> + +<p>“The fair Sara Van Decht! I heard that she was here.”</p> + +<p>“You know her?”</p> + +<p>“She visited at Colonel Erlito’s in London,” Hassen answered. “So did +I. But that is of no consequence. You very well know that we relied +upon your help to <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300">[Pg 300]</a></span>finish this campaign quickly. So far you have done +nothing. Perhaps you do not understand the reason for haste. Let me +tell you this. Even now the message is before the Sultan waiting for +his signature which will recall the troops and bring the invasion to +an end.”</p> + +<p>“Gorteneff is in Constantinople himself,” Domiloff answered. “He will +not allow it to be signed.”</p> + +<p>“Gorteneff! So is Sir Henry White in Constantinople. You seem to +forget that.”</p> + +<p>Domiloff’s face was black.</p> + +<p>“White! The Englishman! Bah! You will not tell me that your master +fears the English any more. Their day is over. They have no longer a +place amongst the Powers.”</p> + +<p>Hassen smiled.</p> + +<p>“You exaggerate,” he said. “England is the only country in Europe at +least who could bring our master’s palace about his ears in +twenty-four hours, and make beautiful Constantinople a heap of +blackened ruins. No, no, Domiloff. My master is wishful to serve you. +We are here—so far we have done all the work—it is for your aid now +we ask. That is only fair. You do not seem to understand the real +reason for haste. I know that at any moment the protest which White +has already presented may be followed by an ultimatum.”</p> + +<p>“And your master would regard it?”</p> + +<p>“I am very sure that he would,” Hassen answered, promptly. “It is not +worth while attempting to deceive you. If England is really no longer +a country worthy of consideration, fight her yourself. I am very sure +that we shall not. And you must remember this, Domiloff, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_301" id="Page_301">[Pg 301]</a></span>the +agitation throughout England in favour of Theos is fed day by day with +letters from this very city. The writer must be with you all the time. +Yet you permit him to continue—you with your unscrupulousness and +your secret agents. England’s intervention, if she does intervene, is +entirely your fault.”</p> + +<p>“Damn that fellow,” Domiloff muttered through his teeth.</p> + +<p>“You know who it is!” Hassen exclaimed.</p> + +<p>“Yes!”</p> + +<p>“And you permit him to continue? You have made no effort to close his +mouth?”</p> + +<p>“Oh, I have tried,” Domiloff answered, hastily. “He is an Englishman, +and he cannot be bought. He will not listen to reason. And so far as +regards other means we have been unfortunate. He has a hat with two +bullet holes in it.”</p> + +<p>Hassen caught up his hat.</p> + +<p>“Oh, I think that it is of no use my staying here,” he said. “The +Domiloff I have heard of and used to know is not any more in +existence. That is very certain. You have let the man write these +letters day by day; you have had him within the city all this time, +and all that you can tell me is that ‘he has a hat with two bullet +holes in,’ ‘you have been unfortunate.’ Bah! The man who makes history +is not the man who fails in a trifle like that.”</p> + +<p>Domiloff ground his teeth together, but he kept his temper.</p> + +<p>“My friend,” he said, “that is all very well. But you do not +understand everything. This man is the lover of <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_302" id="Page_302">[Pg 302]</a></span>the Countess of +Reist. Any hurt to him would be a mortal affront to her.”</p> + +<p>“Cannot she make him hold his tongue?” Hassen asked. “If he is her +lover she should surely be able to bring him to our side. The girl is +pretty enough. Surely the Englishman is not a Joseph?”</p> + +<p>“He is English, and that is worse,” Domiloff answered. “But this very +day we caught him here in this house. She appealed to him—offered him +every inducement, implored him to cease those letters. His obstinacy +was amazing. Neither my threats nor her prayers and promises availed. +I ordered him to be seized, and then what must she do but turn round +and swear that if he were touched she would go to the King—and she +would have done it.”</p> + +<p>“So he got away?”</p> + +<p>“He got away.”</p> + +<p>Hassen groaned.</p> + +<p>“Domiloff,” he said, “it is farewell. I do not come again. Our compact +is at an end. You are getting old, Domiloff. The days at Stamboul are +long past. ‘He got away.’ A change like this in a man is marvellous.”</p> + +<p>Domiloff stood before the door. He was very pale, and his face was not +pleasant to look upon.</p> + +<p>“Stay where you are, Hassen,” he said. “You have come here, it seems, +to reproach me for inaction, for not having helped you sufficiently +from within the city. Well, it is possible that I have relied too much +upon the result of your coming into touch with the Thetians. I +expected your army here before this, Hassen. However, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303">[Pg 303]</a></span>you did not +come here only to complain, eh? You have a suggestion perhaps. Well, +let me hear it. As for the Englishman, I will risk the anger of Marie +of Reist. He shall not write another letter. Now what beyond that? I +am ready. The city is full of my agents. If only I were to give the +word, Hassen, you would never leave the city alive.”</p> + +<p>Hassen laughed scornfully.</p> + +<p>“I have passed through the Thetian lines,” he said, “and made my way +alone here, so it is not likely that death could come nearer to me +than this. But, Domiloff, you talk now more like a man. I will admit +that what you said is truth. I have come here with a scheme in mind, +and it is a good scheme.”</p> + +<p>“Then waste no more time,” Domiloff said, quickly, “go on.”</p> + +<p>“There is in it,” Hassen said, “a personal element. In truth my master +has disappointed me in this campaign. I should have been given the +entire command, and instead I have only a corps. Now I am stationed, +as you know, not at Solika, but at Althea. Therefore, it is my men +whom I would like to bring into Theos whilst Mellet Pascha, who has my +place, is still held back at Solika.”</p> + +<p>Domiloff nodded.</p> + +<p>“That is reasonable,” he said, “but the Althea passes are impregnable. +I do not think that they can be taken by assault at all.”</p> + +<p>“Nor I,” Hassen answered, dryly. “I want a safe conduct through them.”</p> + +<p>Domiloff looked up quickly.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_304" id="Page_304">[Pg 304]</a></span></p><p>“I see. But Klipper, who is in command there, is incorruptible.”</p> + +<p>“Klipper must be removed then. Now what about the Duke of Reist, +Domiloff? He is on our side, is he not?”</p> + +<p>“He is on our side,” Domiloff answered, slowly, “but unfortunately he +has quarrelled with the King. He is in the house at this moment.”</p> + +<p>“Quarrelled? What folly. Domiloff, you seem to have bungled everything +you have touched lately. What is the good of Reist to us when he sits +here sulking?”</p> + +<p>“The good of him,” Domiloff repeated. “Why he is to be our puppet +King—for a month or so. He is simply invaluable. Besides, his absence +from the army has set people talking about the King. It has created +dissatisfaction.”</p> + +<p>“That is all very well, Domiloff,” Hassen said, “but have you ever +considered how very much more useful Reist would be to us if he were +outwardly on friendly terms with the King, near him now and at the +head of his men—and all the time ours?”</p> + +<p>“It is without doubt true, but you do not know Nicholas of Reist,” +Domiloff said, dryly. “He is not of the stuff from which conspirators +are fashioned. This quarrel with the King has cost me endless trouble. +He would never play a traitor’s part, as he would call it, secretly.”</p> + +<p>Hassen smiled grimly.</p> + +<p>“Listen, Domiloff,” he said. “If Nicholas of Reist were to go to the +King and hold out his hand, and beg his pardon, would the King receive +him?”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_305" id="Page_305">[Pg 305]</a></span></p><p>“Of course.”</p> + +<p>“Would he give him the command at Althea if he were to ask for it?”</p> + +<p>“Without a doubt.”</p> + +<p>“Then he must ask for it and get it. Then I will talk to him if you +find him so difficult. These are not times for neutrality. He must be +for the King or against the King. With the Althean passes unguarded +for an hour the thing is done. Then there can be as much intervention +as you like. Theos will be ours.”</p> + +<p>Domiloff stood silent, with knitted brows and downcast eyes.</p> + +<p>“The scheme is good,” he said, “but I fear very much whether Reist +will consent.”</p> + +<p>“He will have to,” Hassen answered, coolly. “He is your man, is he +not? He has already committed himself too deeply to draw back. You can +show him that it is for the salvation of Theos.”</p> + +<p>“You shall show him yourself,” Domiloff answered. “I will take you to +him. You will understand then the mood of the man with whom we have to +deal.”</p> + +<p>Hassen held up his hand.</p> + +<p>“You forget,” he said. “The Duke of Reist and I are ancient enemies. I +was in command when we raided the frontier ten years ago. Perhaps my +men were a little rough to their prisoners—I forget the circumstances +now, but there was trouble between us.”</p> + +<p>Domiloff shrugged his shoulders.</p> + +<p>“So was I his enemy a short time ago,” he answered. “It is barely a +month since the name of a Russian was like poison to him. But those +things are forgotten now. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_306" id="Page_306">[Pg 306]</a></span>Reist is ours—absolutely. Our friends must +be his friends, and our enemies his. So I shall take you to him. +Believe me, it will be best.”</p> + +<p>Even then Hassen hesitated. The memory of Reist’s outburst in London +was still before him. But Domiloff had already opened the door.</p> + +<p>“Come,” he said, softly, “I know that Reist is alone.”</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_307" id="Page_307">[Pg 307]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XLV" id="CHAPTER_XLV"></a>CHAPTER XLV</h2> + +<p>It seemed to Reist that this was the supreme moment of his indignity. +He stood before the two men, white-faced, hollow-eyed, speechless. And +Marie, who had joined their councils, watched him anxiously.</p> + +<p>“Nicholas,” she said, “this may sound to you a terrible thing. Indeed, +I myself wish that there were another way. But there are many things +to be considered. It will save bloodshed, and it will end the war. +With Theos lost, Ughtred and the Solika army must surrender. After +that——”</p> + +<p>“Aye, after that,” Reist interrupted, fiercely. “Let me hear what +Domiloff has to say. After that!”</p> + +<p>“The rest is simplicity itself,” Domiloff said, coolly. “A meeting of +the House of Laws shall be called, and the Turkish army shall be +withdrawn across the frontier. Sentence of banishment shall be passed +upon Ughtred of Tyrnaus, and you, Nicholas of Reist, shall be +proclaimed King. Then there shall be peace in Theos—peace, and I +hope, prosperity. We have gone over all this before, Reist. You must +trust us. Our alliance is useless if every few minutes you lose +faith.”</p> + +<p>“A passive treason was all that I promised,” Reist said. “I undertook +to break with the King, to give up my command in the army, and remain +here. Nothing more! Surely that is enough for my share!”</p> + +<p>“Under ordinary circumstances it would have been <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_308" id="Page_308">[Pg 308]</a></span>enough,” Hassen +said, “but in one or two instances the unexpected has intervened. This +Englishman, whom you all seemed to have welcomed amongst you, has been +indeed a firebrand. His letters have been read everywhere. In England +they have done terrible mischief. In Germany, too, they have made +trouble. We have therefore to end this matter swiftly—with one coup. +We cannot now wait for the inevitable end. From your point of view, +Duke, surely this is better so. The prosecution of this war would +simply mean a devastated and depopulated Theos. Unless Ughtred of +Tyrnaus surrendered quickly the bloodshed would be terrible, the end +of course certain. Surely what we propose is the better way. You, Duke +of Reist, who are a Thetian and a patriot, must——”</p> + +<p>“Stop!”</p> + +<p>A sudden fire burst in Reist’s dark eyes, the deep colour rushed into +his cheeks. There was a breathless silence in the little room.</p> + +<p>“Not that word,” he said, slowly. “For God’s sake not that word. I do +not know what I am, or what men will call me when these terrible days +have passed away. But the patriots are those who wait with Ughtred of +Tyrnaus to give their lives for their country, those whose swords are +unsheathed, and whose heart is stout for battle. I, who spend my +gloomy days here, striving to keep the sound of those guns from my +ears, skulking in the shadows, afraid even to show my face at the +window—I am no patriot.”</p> + +<p>“The Duke of Reist does himself an injustice,” Domiloff said, softly. +“It is physical courage which <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_309" id="Page_309">[Pg 309]</a></span>fills a man’s heart with the desire to +fight—a greater thing than this is the moral courage which keeps a +brave man inactive when he knows in his heart that inaction is best +for his country.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, you are a subtle reasoner, Domiloff,” Reist said, bitterly. “I +cannot argue with you. Only I know that all Theos is standing sword in +hand before our ancient enemies, and I am here. The weariness of it is +intolerable.”</p> + +<p>“It is the nerves, my friend,” Domiloff answered, cheerfully. “You +need a good gallop, a little of this stinging air. Well, what we need +of you is action, is it not?—and there is danger too.”</p> + +<p>“It goes beyond our bargain,” Reist answered, in an agitated tone. +“Once I never dreamed that you, Hassen, would pass the threshold of my +door and leave it alive. As for such a thing as you ask—oh, I am not +Judas enough for that.”</p> + +<p>“Nicholas,” his sister said, quickly, “can you not see that it is a +great deed. Think how many lives you will save. In years to come every +woman of Theos who sees her husband by her side will remember that you +were his preserver. Besides, it is too late now for hesitation. We +have chosen our side, and we must work for our cause.”</p> + +<p>Domiloff nodded.</p> + +<p>“The Countess is right,” he said. “Do as we ask, Nicholas of Reist, +and in a fortnight’s time there will be no war or sign of war, and the +people shall know to whom they owe their deliverance.”</p> + +<p>Reist smiled bitterly.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_310" id="Page_310">[Pg 310]</a></span></p><p>“My people,” he said, “will never overwhelm me with gratitude. You do +not know them as I do. A true Thetian would love best the man who led +them into the jaws of death to fight for his liberty, even though the +fight were in vain, than the man who made all things smooth and happy +for him by skulking within four walls and intriguing with such men as +you, Domiloff.”</p> + +<p>Hassen turned impatiently away.</p> + +<p>“My friend,” he said to Domiloff, “we waste our time here. Theos must +take its chance. I am not disposed to wait any longer for the Duke of +Reist’s answer.”</p> + +<p>“Then you shall have it now,” Reist said, facing them with a momentary +reassertion of his old self. “I accept. In an hour I will ride out to +Solika. But I shall do this thing my own way. Tell me only how I can +communicate with you at Althea.”</p> + +<p>“It is easy,” Hassen exclaimed. “I will explain.”</p> + +<p>He drew Reist on one side. The Countess and Domiloff exchanged quick +glances. Then there came suddenly from below the sound of a measured +tramping of feet in the square, halting before the great mail-studded +door. Marie moved swiftly to the window.</p> + +<p>“It is Ruttens,” she announced, hurriedly, “the temporary commander of +police. He has forty or fifty men with him, and they have formed a +cordon around the door.”</p> + +<p>Hassen’s hand flew to his sword. He looked towards Domiloff.</p> + +<p>“What does this mean?” he exclaimed. “Have we been betrayed, +Domiloff?”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_311" id="Page_311">[Pg 311]</a></span></p><p>“It is not you they seek,” he said. “Reist, find out what they want.”</p> + +<p>There was the sound of heavy footsteps upon the stairs. Marie sprang +towards the door, but she was too late. A servant had already thrown +it open.</p> + +<p>“Colonel Ruttens,” he announced.</p> + +<p>Domiloff, already stealing to the furthermost corner of the room, +which was a large one, extinguished the solitary lamp and plunged the +whole place into comparative darkness. Ruttens paused a few yards from +the threshold and peered around him.</p> + +<p>“Is the Duke of Reist here?” he asked.</p> + +<p>Nicholas struck a match and lit a solitary candle. Its feeble flame +did little more than reveal his own pale face.</p> + +<p>“Here I am, Colonel Ruttens. What do you want with me?”</p> + +<p>Colonel Ruttens saluted.</p> + +<p>“With you—nothing, Duke,” he answered. “Nothing, save your help, that +is, in arresting a miscreant.”</p> + +<p>“Who is he?” Reist asked.</p> + +<p>“The Baron Domiloff.”</p> + +<p>“He is a Russian subject,” Reist said, slowly.</p> + +<p>“I have a warrant for his arrest signed by the King,” Ruttens +answered. “Russian or no Russian he has been guilty of inciting to +treason, of conspiring to bring a regiment of Cossacks into the city, +and of using firearms in the street. Apart from which his very +presence in the city is an offence, as he was banished by the King +some time ago.”</p> + +<p>“And why do you come to me?” Reist asked.</p> + +<p>“Because Baron Domiloff is at present in this house,” <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_312" id="Page_312">[Pg 312]</a></span>Ruttens +answered. “My men have surrounded it, and I have come first to you, +Duke. I call upon you, as a loyal Thetian, to aid me in making this +arrest.”</p> + +<p>“What right have you to assume that I should give shelter to Baron +Domiloff?” Reist asked, quietly.</p> + +<p>“I regret to say that he is known to be in this house,” Ruttens +answered. “Further, the fact that you, Duke, were also known to be +here when every loyal Thetian is under arms, compelled me to assume +that your attitude towards this Russian spy was not inimical.”</p> + +<p>Reist started as though struck. Immediately afterwards Ruttens’ +attention was attracted by the sound of stealthy footsteps in the +further corner of the apartment. He half drew his sword and peered +forward.</p> + +<p>“Who is that?” he asked. “Duke of Reist, I have spared you the +indignity of filling your house with police, but I must call upon you +at once to hand over my prisoner. If not I shall summon my men. I have +only to——”</p> + +<p>He was powerless to utter another syllable. A strong pair of arms were +around his neck, and a handkerchief thrust into his mouth. He only +looked towards Reist, but the look was such that Reist felt the +shameful colour flood his cheeks.</p> + +<p>Hassen’s dagger gleamed blue in the twilight, but Reist held out his +hand.</p> + +<p>“Listen,” he said, “bind and gag him, and then escape by the western +entrance. But no violence. He is an old man.”</p> + +<p>Hassen shrugged his shoulders, but Domiloff hastened to assent.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_313" id="Page_313">[Pg 313]</a></span></p><p>“There is no need to hurt him,” he said. “Keep him here quietly for a +while. I will order my men into the hall in case that motley crew +below try to force an entrance. Countess, will you be showing our +friend the way to the western exit? Reist, you must watch this man.”</p> + +<p>They hurried away. Reist stood quite still for a moment. His heart was +thumping against his side. He bent over Ruttens and lifted the gag +from his mouth.</p> + +<p>“What was the signal to your men that they should follow you?” he +whispered.</p> + +<p>Ruttens caught his breath for a moment.</p> + +<p>“A—broken window.”</p> + +<p>Reist seized a paper-weight from his table and dashed it through the +nearest pane. The glass fell with a crash into the street below. There +was an answering shout and a rush of feet. Domiloff rushed breathless +in.</p> + +<p>“What has happened?” he exclaimed.</p> + +<p>“A stone thrown from the street below,” he answered. “Quick, Domiloff, +and escape. They are streaming in below. Why, they are fighting +already.”</p> + +<p>Domiloff was pale with fear, but he forced a smile.</p> + +<p>“I have friends in the city,” he said. “They will not see me taken. +Farewell, Reist! Remember!”</p> + +<p>He hastened from the room. Reist stooped down and cut the cords which +held Ruttens.</p> + +<p>“Listen, Ruttens,” he said. “I have plans of my own for saving Theos, +and unfortunately Domiloff has been concerned in them. But that is +over. You know the western entrance? He leaves by that. Quick!”</p> + +<p>Ruttens staggered from the room. Already the sound of firearms rang +out from the hall below.</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_314" id="Page_314">[Pg 314]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XLVI" id="CHAPTER_XLVI"></a>CHAPTER XLVI</h2> + +<p>“This is life,” Brand said, blithely, as he leaped from his steaming +horse.</p> + +<p>“And death,” Ughtred answered, gravely. “God grant that Theos may not +know many days such as this.”</p> + +<p>Brand fixed his field-glasses and swept the scene below.</p> + +<p>“Enemy advancing crescent shape in loose formation,” he remarked. +“Your men capitally entrenched. Masked guns, too, and cavalry in +reserve. Your Majesty, how long have they been shelling the trenches?”</p> + +<p>“All day,” Ughtred answered, with a faint smile. “Our losses are less +than fifty wounded. This is their second advance. The first cost them +a thousand men.”</p> + +<p>An A. D. C. galloped up the hill with a report. Ughtred gave a few +rapid orders and retired for a few minutes to consult with his +officers. Below, the din of battle grew louder. Through the films of +smoke multitudes of grey uniformed men could be seen creeping across +the plain like ants, now hesitating and dropping, now running on from +shelter to shelter. To Brand they seemed as numberless as the pebbles +on the seashore. His face grew grave as he saw how near they were to +the long zigzag line of entrenchments. The Thetian firing, too, had +certainly slackened. A horrible <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_315" id="Page_315">[Pg 315]</a></span>idea flashed into his brain. If the +weakening fire were due to lack of ammunition Theos was doomed.</p> + +<p>He looked around. Ughtred and his staff were specks in the distance. +They were hastening down to be nearer the scene of action. Brand +caught his horse, and galloped after them. The battle fever seemed to +be in the atmosphere. The afternoon heat was rendered more oppressive +by a murky vapour rising from the valley. Below, it was difficult to +see anything save the swarm of Turks creeping steadily on across the +plain. Above their heads screamed the shells which were to pave the +way for their advance. Brand hastened on, filled with misgivings.</p> + +<p>At last he reached a spur of the hill from which an easy descent led +down into the valley. From here he could see into the trenches, and +his spirits revived. They were swarming with men, there were no signs +of any panic. The King and his staff had halted almost within shouting +distance, and protected from the enemy’s fire only by a little clump +of trees. Then Brand knew that there was method in this silence.</p> + +<p>A long, clarion-like bugle-call, and then—a sudden upheaval of all +the forces of destruction. From the heights above the pom-poms and +Maxims sent down a murderous rain, the trenches from end to end +belched forth red fire. Brand held his breath, it was an epoch—for a +looker-on a marvellous experience—a page in the chapter of his life. +The firing-line of the Turks was within four hundred yards of the +trenches, and in thirty seconds they were wiped out of existence. The +next line and the next shared the same fate. The Turkish <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_316" id="Page_316">[Pg 316]</a></span>officers +galloped to the front with drawn sabres, the Mohammedan battle-cry, +solemn and inspiring, rang fiercely out. It was useless. No living +thing could face that zone of destruction. A dust rose from the +bullet-riven ground. It was like a hail-storm upon an ocean. The Turks +wavered and broke, and the Thetian cavalry rode them through and +through, passing out of their broken ranks with blood-stained sabres +and hearts aflame.</p> + +<p>Ughtred, watching, saw the first signs of danger, and signalled for +their withdrawal. But the lust of blood was awake in them, and they +were drunk with the joy of fighting. They followed and followed till +the Turks, out of that awful avalanche of death, became conscious that +a thousand Thetian horsemen were not an invincible force. Their fight +was checked, they were almost immediately surrounded, their leader +fell shot through the heart, and a miracle was required to save the +flower of the Thetian army.</p> + +<p>A miracle which happened. For of a sudden a horseman, who had ridden +in the ranks, his face shaded by a helmet, leaped to the front.</p> + +<p>“A Reist! A Reist!” he cried, “for God and Theos,” and once more the +fear of numbers passed away. They fought like heroes, and in the mêlée +without serious loss. They fought their way almost to the open, and +their path was an avenue of blood. But how it might have gone with +them no man could tell, for at the critical moment the whole cavalry +reserve, with Ughtred himself at their head, fell upon the enemy’s +right flank, and the triumph of the day was assured. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_317" id="Page_317">[Pg 317]</a></span>The Turks fled, +and no further pursuit was attempted.</p> + +<p>The man who had led that wonderful rally rode slowly back to his place +in the ranks. But Ughtred, from whose left temple the blood was +streaming, and whose arm was helpless, put his horse to the gallop and +intercepted him.</p> + +<p>“It was well done, Duke of Reist,” he said. “Will you shake hands with +me?”</p> + +<p>For a moment Reist hesitated, and in that moment the King, stung by +his indecision, withdrew his appeal.</p> + +<p>“I will not have a grudging reconciliation,” he said. “As we are, so +we will remain until your apology is ready. But I am glad at least to +see that you are still a patriot. I cannot have you fighting in the +ranks, Duke of Reist. What post will you have?”</p> + +<p>Reist stood very still for a moment, and the pallor on his cheeks was +more than the pallor of exhaustion.</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty,” he said, “there is a report that General Kolashin is +wounded. Send me to Althea.”</p> + +<p>The King turned his horse.</p> + +<p>“As you will,” he answered. “Captain Hartzan, ride with the Duke of +Reist to Althea, and take this ring to General Kolashin, whose command +the Duke of Reist will take over.”</p> + +<p>Then the King, flushed with fighting, the blood indeed still upon his +face from a wound on the temple, rode slowly down the lines of his +army. From far and near the men of Theos greeted him lustily. This was +indeed a born leader, whose dispositions had prevailed against the +wily Turkish generals, and whose personal <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_318" id="Page_318">[Pg 318]</a></span>valour they had, with their +own eyes, beheld. Even from Solika, far in the background, came an +answering echo to that strange thunder of men’s rapturous voices.</p> + +<p>Brand touched him on the arm.</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty,” he said, “you have won a victory to-day which will +amaze all Europe. Be careful that you do not lose what you have gained +by treachery!”</p> + +<p>The King looked into Brand’s grave face, and beckoned him on one side.</p> + +<p>“Well?”</p> + +<p>“Domiloff has got hold of Reist,” he said. “He is a traitor. There is +something going on in the city even now, which I do not understand.”</p> + +<p>The King shook his head gravely.</p> + +<p>“Reist is my personal enemy,” he said, “but Theos has no more faithful +son. It is he who has just saved our victory from being turned into +disaster.”</p> + +<p>“Nevertheless,” Brand answered, “he is Domiloff’s man, and there is +treachery afoot. I will tell you what happened to me in the city.”</p> + +<p>The King listened with darkening face. But when Brand had finished his +story he shook his head again.</p> + +<p>“Domiloff is my enemy,” he said, “and it may be the Countess of Reist. +But of Reist himself I will believe no such thing.”</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty will regret it,” Brand remarked, dryly.</p> + +<p>“If you are right, I certainly shall,” the King answered, “for I have +appointed Reist to the command at Althea.”</p> + +<p>Brand wheeled his horse round.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_319" id="Page_319">[Pg 319]</a></span></p><p>“I wish you good fortune—and good-bye,” he said.</p> + +<p>The King looked at him in amazement.</p> + +<p>“Where are you going, Brand?” he asked.</p> + +<p>“Home.”</p> + +<p>“Home! Why?”</p> + +<p>“The war is over,” Brand answered. “The Turks will occupy Theos +to-morrow.”</p> + +<p>“You are talking nonsense,” Ughtred declared, hotly.</p> + +<p>Brand shook his head.</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty,” he said, “you will admit that a traitor at Althea can +let the Turks into Theos.”</p> + +<p>The King frowned.</p> + +<p>“It is true,” he admitted, “but Reist is no traitor.”</p> + +<p>“If you will come with me to the city,” Brand answered, “I will prove +to you that he is!”</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_320" id="Page_320">[Pg 320]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XLVII" id="CHAPTER_XLVII"></a>CHAPTER XLVII</h2> + +<p>“Baron Domiloff! It is I, Marie of Reist. Let me in.”</p> + +<p>She stepped into the darkened room, and closed the door behind her. +Domiloff, who was looking white and scared, turned the key in the lock +and faced her nervously.</p> + +<p>“Why have you come here, Countess?” he exclaimed. “Do you not +understand that I am in hiding? It is not a fit place for you—and you +may have been followed.”</p> + +<p>She held her handkerchief to her face and looked around her in +disgust.</p> + +<p>“You are right,” she answered. “It is not a fit place for any one. It +is abominable. What are you doing here?”</p> + +<p>“The King and this Englishman Brand are in the city together, and they +have scent of how things are going,” he answered. “My house in the +avenue was surrounded by soldiers this morning, but I managed to give +them the slip and reach here safely. Have you brought me word from +Nicholas?”</p> + +<p>She shook her head.</p> + +<p>“No!”</p> + +<p>“Then why are you here? This place is of evil repute. Besides, it is +not safe. You may have been followed.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_321" id="Page_321">[Pg 321]</a></span></p><p>“I believe that I was,” she answered. “It is not of any consequence. +There is not any one in Theos who would harm a Reist.”</p> + +<p>His face was unnaturally white. She looked at him in wonder. Was the +man a coward?</p> + +<p>“But it was madness!” he exclaimed, angrily. “There are spies +everywhere. Your brother and I were overheard talking together at this +very place. I may be arrested at any moment.”</p> + +<p>She glanced at him contemptuously.</p> + +<p>“I suppose that when one conspires,” she said, “there is always +danger. Baron Domiloff, I have followed you here because since noon +yesterday there have been two attempts upon the life of the +Englishman, Walter Brand.”</p> + +<p>“Both bungled,” he remarked. “One is ill served, so far from home.”</p> + +<p>She turned upon him fiercely.</p> + +<p>“Have you forgotten what I told you only a few days ago?”</p> + +<p>“One does not remember too long,” he answered, lightly, “the words of +an angry woman.”</p> + +<p>Her eyes flashed upon him wrathfully. The odour of the violets at her +bosom seemed to fill the dark, stuffy room. He remarked suddenly how +beautiful she was.</p> + +<p>“If you do not know when a woman is in earnest,” she declared, “you +are a fool. I have come to tell you this. That the moment evil happens +to him I go at once to the King. I tell him everything. Mind, this is +no idle threat. I swear to you that I will do this.”</p> + +<p>A cloud of evil passions swept up from the man’s <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_322" id="Page_322">[Pg 322]</a></span>heart. He drew a +little closer to her and took up his stand nearer the door.</p> + +<p>“It is folly,” he said, in a low tone, “the man is working up all +Europe with his accursed letters. He must be removed.”</p> + +<p>“If evil comes to him,” she said, steadily, “the King shall know all.”</p> + +<p>He drew a little closer to her. An ugly smile curved his lips.</p> + +<p>“It cannot be, Countess, that your interest in this fellow is +personal. He is not of your order. You would not be so cruel as to +bestow upon him a consideration which you deny to your equals!”</p> + +<p>“It seems to me,” she said, calmly, “that you are trying to be +impertinent. The nature of my interest in Mr. Brand can be no concern +of yours. It is sufficient that what I have said I mean!”</p> + +<p>“I do not find it sufficient,” he answered, quietly.</p> + +<p>She turned upon him haughtily. Her delicate eyebrows were drawn +together. Her eyes were aglow with anger. Domiloff watched her +stealthily. Why had he never realized how handsome she was? He drew a +little nearer to her.</p> + +<p>“What do you mean?” she demanded. “Insolent!”</p> + +<p>“Countess,” he answered, “it is very strange to me that you should so +long have been ignorant of the truth. Do you think that it is for the +sake of Theos I have planned for the overthrow of Ughtred of Tyrnaus? +Do you think that it is for your brother’s sake that I have smoothed +his <i>way</i> to the throne? No! My reward <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_323" id="Page_323">[Pg 323]</a></span>has always been clear before +me. I have looked for it always at your hands.”</p> + +<p>“At my hands?”</p> + +<p>He winced before the amazed scorn of her words. Yet he continued +steadily.</p> + +<p>“If you are surprised, Countess,” he said, “well, I have been the +victim of that time-worn fallacy which ascribes to any woman at any +time the knowledge of being loved. You have always been the object of +my respectful admiration. You are now——”</p> + +<p>She threw out her hands—a silencing gesture.</p> + +<p>“Enough!” she exclaimed. “I do not know what you are going to say. I +do not wish to hear it.”</p> + +<p>“You must!” he declared. “You shall hear me!”</p> + +<p>She turned her back upon him, but he was between her and the door. He +turned the key in the lock, and faced her—a new Domiloff, wolf-like, +with evil things in his white face and black eyes.</p> + +<p>“You shall promise to be my wife,” he said, “or——”</p> + +<p>“Or what?”</p> + +<p>She did not quail. His eyes fell before hers. But the key slipped into +his pocket.</p> + +<p>“Or you do not leave this house,” he answered. “I am master here. The +whole quarter is Russian. Be reasonable, Countess. The alliance is +worthy of your consideration.”</p> + +<p>She leaned suddenly forward, and struck him across the cheek.</p> + +<p>“You cur,” she cried. “I would as soon marry one of my servants.”</p> + +<p>She beat upon the door and called out. Domiloff <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_324" id="Page_324">[Pg 324]</a></span>drew out his +handkerchief and held it to his cheek. He made no effort to silence +her. There was a dull red mark across his face. If she could have seen +his expression she would have been frightened.</p> + +<p>There came no answer to her calling. She rushed across to the window. +There were men on the place below, but they only answered her frantic +gestures with dull indifference—at most with a shrug of the shoulders +and a smile. They were Russian Jews. It was as Domiloff had said. They +were his creatures. It was the one evil spot in Theos. Domiloff stood +with his back to her, still with his handkerchief to his face.</p> + +<p>She turned upon him fiercely.</p> + +<p>“If you do not let me out,” she cried, “Nicholas shall shoot you like +a dog.”</p> + +<p>“It may be,” he answered, coolly, “that I shall shoot Nicholas. At +least there will be something to be wiped out between us. I shall not +fear his vengeance.”</p> + +<p>“What do you mean?” she asked, suddenly cold with the first sensations +of fear. The man’s quietness was ominous, and she could see his face +now. He put his handkerchief away and came over to her, catching her +wrists with a sudden catlike movement.</p> + +<p>“It is your own fault,” he said. “You will remember that blow to your +dying day.”</p> + +<hr class="medium" /> + +<p>They stood side by side at the window of one of the great reception +rooms of the palace, the King and Brand. A driving storm of rain was +beating against the glass, and the thunder rattled amongst the distant +hills from peak to peak. Ughtred was looking more pale and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_325" id="Page_325">[Pg 325]</a></span>harassed +than when he had ridden, sword in hand, in front of his tiny army and +watched the Turks closing in around them.</p> + +<p>“What is the meaning of it, Brand?” he asked, sadly. “There is +something astir which I cannot understand. See how the people throng +the Square in front of the Reist house, and scarcely even glance this +way. What are they waiting for?”</p> + +<p>Brand shook his head.</p> + +<p>“The true meaning of it I do not know,” he answered, “but there is +treason abroad. I am sure of that, and I am sure that Nicholas of +Reist is concerned in it.”</p> + +<p>The King bit his lip. If Nicholas of Reist were a traitor, what hope +was there for Theos?</p> + +<p>“I do not know these people,” he said. “My men are all in the field, +or under arms at the barracks. These are not native Thetians.”</p> + +<p>“They look to me,” Brand said, dryly, “like a horde of Russian Jews +from across the frontier.”</p> + +<p>“I am going to ride once more through the city,” the King said. “Come +with me, Brand.”</p> + +<p>They left the palace by a side door, and passed cautiously along the +street, the King with his military cloak wrapped closely about him. +All around was a constant muttering. The people talked together +excitedly enough, but without elation. There were no signs that this +was a day of victory. The King’s face grew stern.</p> + +<p>“I do not know this rabble,” he said. “They are not my own people.”</p> + +<p>“They are the tools of Domiloff,” Brand answered. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_326" id="Page_326">[Pg 326]</a></span>“It is he who is at +the root of all this trouble. It is he who has corrupted Nicholas of +Reist.”</p> + +<p>They rode across the Square, and the people scattered before them with +muttered imprecations. Brand suddenly turned into a side street and +motioned the King to follow him.</p> + +<p>“Our police,” he said, “have failed to catch Domiloff. Let us try +ourselves. I believe I know where he may be found.”</p> + +<p>The King’s face lightened, and he touched his horse with the spur. But +Brand hesitated.</p> + +<p>“The place is in a bad quarter,” he said. “There will be risk.”</p> + +<p>But Ughtred laughed.</p> + +<p>“With a guard,” he said, “we should have no chance. You and I alone +will take Domiloff.”</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_327" id="Page_327">[Pg 327]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XLVIII" id="CHAPTER_XLVIII"></a>CHAPTER XLVIII</h2> + +<p>The storm had driven away the crowd of loiterers from in front of the +Café Metropolitan. The King and Brand stood under one of the small +lime trees which bordered the road, watching the place. The lower +room, unshuttered, and lit with several flaring gas jets, was filled +with a crowd of men drinking and singing songs. From the upper windows +came no sign of life.</p> + +<p>“That is where I believe that Domiloff is hiding,” Brand declared. “Do +you see what a rabble that is inside the <i>café</i>?”</p> + +<p>The King nodded.</p> + +<p>“Russian Jews, every one of them,” he said. “Anyhow, there are too +many of them for us to enter the place single-handed.</p> + +<p>“Brand, take one of the horses, and ride to the barracks. Bring down a +guard of twenty-five men. I will wait here.”</p> + +<p>Brand nodded, and hurried away to the corner of the street, where they +had left the horses. The King lit a cigar, shielding the light as much +as possible with his hand, and leaned against the trunk of the tree.</p> + +<p>Five minutes passed, ten, a quarter of an hour. The King, whose +thoughts were none of the pleasantest, grew impatient. Suddenly, the +cigar dropped from his fingers. He sprang forward with beating heart, +bewildered, incredulous. For he had seen a strange thing.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_328" id="Page_328">[Pg 328]</a></span></p><p>Up at that dark, unlit window had flashed for a moment the pale, +terror-stricken face of a woman, drawn back almost at once by an +unseen hand. The echoes of her passionate cry for help rang still in +his ears. And, strangest thing of all, the face was the face of Marie +of Reist.</p> + +<p>Ughtred forgot then that he was a King, and that his life was a pledge +to his country. He remembered only that he was a man of more than +ordinary strength, and that from that dreary little room a woman was +calling to him for help. In the passage the few loiterers who disputed +his way were brushed on one side like flies. He sprang up the little +staircase, which creaked under his weight, in half-a-dozen bounds. The +girl’s cries were plainly to be heard now. He thundered upon the door.</p> + +<p>There came for a moment no answer. The girl’s cry was stifled, as +though by a rough hand.</p> + +<p>“Let me in,” Ughtred cried. “At once.”</p> + +<p>There came no answer save a man’s muttered curse and the sound of +footsteps. Ughtred was wearing his military riding boots, and the door +was crazy and old. A single charge, and it went crashing into the +room. Ughtred stumbled, and saved his life, for a bullet whistled just +over his head as Domiloff sprang to the window.</p> + +<p>Marie, breathless and dishevelled, recognized Ughtred with a cry of +wonder.</p> + +<p>“The King!” she exclaimed, and Domiloff, who might have escaped, +looked round and hesitated. Ughtred, who was as quick as lightning +upon his feet, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_329" id="Page_329">[Pg 329]</a></span>snatched him back from the window-sill and threw him +heavily upon the floor.</p> + +<p>There was no time for explanations. Through the débris of the door +there sprang into the room half-a-dozen of the loiterers from the room +below. They faced the King, standing like a giant in the centre of the +floor with his long military sword flashing grey in the dim light.</p> + +<p>“Be off,” he cried. “This is not your affair. I do not wish to hurt +any of you, but I will kill the first man who comes a yard further.”</p> + +<p>They hung back, but one remained looking about him with crafty, +peering eyes, his long upper teeth gleaming like yellow fangs. His +hand lurked about his tunic.</p> + +<p>“Little master,” he said, “tell us what has happened here? There is a +man hurt. What have you done to him?”</p> + +<p>Ughtred’s sword was within an inch of the man’s chest.</p> + +<p>“The man is unhurt and my prisoner,” Ughtred said.</p> + +<p>“Your prisoner, little master. My eyes are bad, and the light is dim. +Who are you to come here and make prisoners?”</p> + +<p>“I am the King,” Ughtred answered, rashly.</p> + +<p>There were those who knew him. There was a murmur which was like a +growl, and Ughtred hesitated no longer, but ran his sword through the +man whose knife was already stealing from his tunic. He fell back with +a shriek of horror, and the King himself in grievous <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_330" id="Page_330">[Pg 330]</a></span>danger, wrenched +his sword free. There were half-a-dozen knives raised, and one must +have struck into his chest. But Marie, stooping down, had seized +Domiloff’s revolver, and, leaning over, shot the man through the +heart. The King, who had recovered his balance, sprang amongst them, +and they scattered like rabbits. Then came a great cry from +down-stairs.</p> + +<p>“The soldiers! Quick! Save yourself.”</p> + +<p>They fled without waiting for a parting stroke. Ughtred lowered his +sword and let them pass. There were three dead and wounded in the +room, and Domiloff lay on his back where the King had thrown him. The +King turned to Marie.</p> + +<p>“You are a brave woman,” he said. “You have saved both our lives.”</p> + +<p>But she held out both her hands to him, and her eyes were streaming.</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty has saved more than my life,” she faltered, “and I have +not deserved it. I have been your enemy.”</p> + +<p>He took her hands gently.</p> + +<p>“We have fought together,” he said. “Henceforth we should be +comrades.”</p> + +<hr class="medium" /> + +<p>Eleven men sat around a long table in one of the rooms of the Reist +house. They talked only in whispers, and a general air of uneasiness +was apparent. It was rumoured that the King was in the city, and these +men felt themselves to be conspirators. Domiloff was strangely absent. +The Countess of Reist in her own house had omitted to offer them a +welcome.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_331" id="Page_331">[Pg 331]</a></span></p><p>Their suspense was temporarily ended, however. The door opened, and +Baron Doxis entered, followed by a foreigner, whom most of them +recognized. They rose to their feet. Baron Doxis presented the guest.</p> + +<p>“My colleagues,” he announced, “this is Monsieur Gourdolis, the +accredited envoy of the Czar to us. He has certain proposals to submit +upon which we will at once debate.”</p> + +<p>A Counsellor rose up.</p> + +<p>“Has the Countess of Reist any message to us from her brother?”</p> + +<p>“The Countess of Reist,” Baron Doxis answered, “is unaccountably +absent.”</p> + +<p>“And Domiloff?” another asked. “It is chiefly owing to his +representations that we are assembled here to-day. Is he too absent?”</p> + +<p>There was a moment’s silence. Then Gourdolis spoke.</p> + +<p>“Gentlemen,” he said, “my friend Domiloff will be with us doubtless +before this meeting is dissolved. In the meantime, I will, with your +permission, lay before you the terms on which my august master the +Czar is willing to stay the hand of Turkey, by force if necessary, and +guarantee your independence.”</p> + +<p>Some heavy curtains at the end of the room were suddenly thrown aside. +The King stood there, and by his side Marie of Reist.</p> + +<p>“My arrival, it would appear, is opportune,” the King said, grimly. +“Address yourself to me, and proceed, Monsieur Gourdolis.”</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_332" id="Page_332">[Pg 332]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XLIX" id="CHAPTER_XLIX"></a>CHAPTER XLIX</h2> + +<p>One by one the members of the Council staggered to their feet. The +coming of the King was like a bombshell thrown amongst them. They were +met in secret conclave, a proceeding to the last degree +unconstitutional. They were receiving, too, an emissary from a foreign +country which amounted to high treason. Doxis was perhaps the first to +recover himself.</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty’s coming is unexpected,” he said. “I trust that there is +no ill news from the seat of war.”</p> + +<p>“There is no news, save good news,” the King answered, having handed a +chair to Marie. “Yesterday’s battle you all know about. I will tell +you the prospects later. Meanwhile, I see that you have a stranger +here. What has Monsieur Gourdolis to say to us?”</p> + +<p>Gourdolis rose slowly to his feet. He was a man of resource, a shrewd +and ready diplomatist. Already he was scheming how to turn to his own +advantage the King’s unexpected presence. He played a bold card.</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty,” he said, respectfully, “it was painful to me to put +forward my master’s propositions to the Council of the House of Laws +in your absence, it is still more painful to do so in your presence. I +speak, however, to the representatives of a nation whose liberty and +whose very existence is threatened, and I offer them—in a +word—salvation. That is my excuse for my presence here to-day.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_333" id="Page_333">[Pg 333]</a></span></p><p>“What your offer really amounts to is no doubt the Russian yoke +instead of the Turkish,” Ughtred remarked, bitterly. “My forefathers +have tasted more than once of Muscovite generosity.”</p> + +<p>Gourdolis shook his head gravely.</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty,” he said, “you wrong my country, and my master. Our +demands are very simple, and I lay the terms of them here upon the +table. The only conditions upon which I regret to say that my master +is immovable is the immediate abdication of your Majesty.”</p> + +<p>The King sat with unchanged face.</p> + +<p>“In favour of whom?” he asked.</p> + +<p>“Nicholas, Duke of Reist!”</p> + +<p>“Is the Duke of Reist cognizant of this, and willing to accept the +throne?” the King asked.</p> + +<p>“He is, your Majesty,” Baron Doxis answered.</p> + +<p>Marie rose to her feet.</p> + +<p>“It is false,” she declared. “My brother is a patriot, and he has +taken the oath of allegiance to the King. I pledge my word for his +that he will keep that oath.”</p> + +<p>A murmur of blank amazement was followed by a dead silence. Gourdolis +was speechless. The King looked around him, sternly.</p> + +<p>“Have I by chance stumbled upon a conspiracy?” he asked. “What do you +say, Taverner, and you, Valgrosse? Did you come here prepared to +listen to such a proposition as this?”</p> + +<p>“Indeed, your Majesty,” Taverner answered, hastily, “I did not.”</p> + +<p>“Nor I!” Valgrosse echoed.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_334" id="Page_334">[Pg 334]</a></span></p><p>“What about you, Doxis?” the King asked.</p> + +<p>The old Baron, who, for many years had been chairman of the House of +Laws, rose slowly to his feet.</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty,” he said, “I will admit that I alone of those present +here had some knowledge of this proposal. I hope that your Majesty +will not look upon my presence here as disloyal or unseemly. Only in +my heart is deep engraven the love of my country and her people, and +the one dread of my life has been the coming of the Turk. Your +Majesty, no one has been a more sincere admirer than myself of the +wise and careful manner in which you have ruled this country. Young +though you are, you have more than fulfilled our most sanguine +expectations. Only I fear that unaided we may as well hope to stem the +tide of the mighty Danube as repel this Turkish invasion.”</p> + +<p>“You have spoken like a true man, Doxis,” the King said. “Yet I must +remind you that your presence here is akin to treason. What of the +oath of loyalty which you swore to me only a few months ago?”</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty,” Doxis answered, “I have not broken that oath. I am +here only to listen to what these proposals may be. That, I take it, +is the position also of my colleagues.”</p> + +<p>A murmur of assent. Gourdolis remained standing, his papers in his +hands.</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty will forgive me if I assert that there is no treason +involved in the presence of any one here. I summoned those to meet me +whom I knew to be real and true patriots—who would not hesitate at a +small thing to secure their country’s freedom.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_335" id="Page_335">[Pg 335]</a></span></p><p>The King faced him scornfully.</p> + +<p>“We have heard, Monsieur Gourdolis,” he said, “of the freedom of those +countries whom your beneficent master has taken under his wing. +Councillors, I think more highly of your intelligence than to imagine +that you are to be suborned by such clumsy intriguing as this. Freedom +is one thing, the yoke of Russia another. I will tell you some of the +considerations which Monsieur Gourdolis has presently to propose to +you. The custom-houses are to be controlled by Russia. The appointment +of all government officials is to be sanctioned by her. Our foreign +policy is to be her foreign policy. The army is to be officered by +Russians, and Russian is to be taught in the schools. These things are +amongst your conditions. Is it not so, Monsieur Gourdolis?”</p> + +<p>Gourdolis hesitated, and his chance was gone.</p> + +<p>“You have employed spies,” he muttered.</p> + +<p>“Not I!” the King answered. “Yet I know your terms as they were +proposed to Nicholas of Reist, and it amazes me only that you should +have expected men in whose hands remain the destinies of their country +to give you even a patient hearing. My Councillors, give this man the +answer his insolent mission deserves, and let him be shown across the +frontier. We will before long show Europe how we deal with our +enemies. The Turks are not yet at the gates of the city.”</p> + +<p>There was a murmur of respectful enthusiasm. Gourdolis smiled a very +evil smile.</p> + +<p>“Not yet,” he murmured, “but the end is not far off.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_336" id="Page_336">[Pg 336]</a></span></p><p>Baron Doxis rose up.</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty,” he announced, “our answer is unanimous. We have been +misled by Baron Domiloff, both as to the nature of Monsieur +Gourdolis’s mission and the attitude of the Duke of Reist. We reject +his terms. We decline once and for all to treat with him. We trust to +God and to you to keep the enemy from our gates.”</p> + +<p>The King smiled upon them.</p> + +<p>“I thank you all,” he said, “for your confidence. Let me add that I +believe the day will come when you will be heartily thankful that you +gave this man the answer he deserved. The importance of our victory +yesterday has, I find, been wilfully minimized in the city, but I can +assure you that with only a very trifling loss we withstood an attack +on the part of the whole Turkish forces. I have, however, better news +than that for you. The greatest nation in the world would seem to have +espoused our cause. Yesterday afternoon the English Ambassador at +Constantinople presented an ultimatum to the Sultan, demanding the +withdrawal of his forces from the frontier of Theos. The Press +throughout Europe have announced the fact this morning.”</p> + +<p>Baron Doxis rose hurriedly to his feet.</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty,” he exclaimed, in broken tones, “permit me, on the part +of your Councillors and myself, to express our unbounded confidence +both in your military skill and in your diplomacy. Theos has found a +second Rudolph.”</p> + +<p>The King smiled faintly.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_337" id="Page_337">[Pg 337]</a></span></p><p>“We are an instance,” he said, “of an ancient nation who has benefited +by the great new power of this generation. My diplomatic appeal to the +English Government would have been of no avail but for the wonderful +espousal of our cause by the whole British Press. That we owe to one +who has been living amongst us, and who has three times within the +last few days narrowly escaped assassination by the friends of Baron +Domiloff. Monsieur Gourdolis, you have your answer.”</p> + +<p>Gourdolis remained imperturbable. He bowed to Baron Doxis, and moved +towards the door. Then he faced the King.</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty,” he said, “has a singularly dramatic knack of turning +up in unexpected places and at unexpected times. May that faculty not +desert you during the next few days.”</p> + +<p>He closed the door and departed. The King rose to his feet.</p> + +<p>“Baron Doxis,” he said, “I leave the charge of the city in your hands. +I return at once to the front. There is no telegraphic communication +between the headquarters of the Turkish Commander-in-Chief and +Constantinople, and in any case it is well to be prepared. Countess of +Reist, will you favour me for one moment?”</p> + +<p>She led him into her own little room, and placed her hands in his.</p> + +<p>“We are friends?” he asked.</p> + +<p>“If your Majesty can really pardon me,” she answered, fervently, +“—for always.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_338" id="Page_338">[Pg 338]</a></span></p><p>“And Brand?” the King asked.</p> + +<p>Her cheeks burned with a sudden rush of colour.</p> + +<p>“You may tell him,” she said, “after to-morrow.”</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_339" id="Page_339">[Pg 339]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_L" id="CHAPTER_L"></a>CHAPTER L</h2> + +<p>Into the black night across the level plain which stretched between +Theos and the pass of Althea a woman rode as one rides a race with +death. Her servants had been left far away behind—her horse’s sides +were streaked with foam, once or twice he had swerved and almost +unseated her. She plied him with whip and spur, and passionate words. +It was for the honour of a great race, for her own salvation that she +rode. All was well as yet. The lights of the camp were twinkling like +a band of ribbon across the hillside, and there was silence as deep as +death everywhere, except when the wind came booming down the valley in +fitful gusts, and bowed the tops of the lonely and stunted trees. +Upwards she mounted, and the road grew rougher. Her horse’s eyes were +streaked with blood, his nostrils quivered. Still she urged him on. A +little further now, and her goal was reached. So she rode on, white to +the lips with fear—lest even now she should be too late.</p> + +<p>At the outposts they stopped her, and the great bay horse, after +staggering for a moment like a drunken man, fell over dead. She +scarcely glanced at him. The officer, who knew her, rapidly +transferred her saddle to his own pony.</p> + +<p>“It is a message from the King to Nicholas,” she said. “Tell me, how +long will it take me?”</p> + +<p>“The Duke is himself guarding the Beacon,” the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_340" id="Page_340">[Pg 340]</a></span>soldier answered. +“Madame the Countess will reach him in ten minutes.”</p> + +<p>She galloped off, never noticing that her pony’s feet were shod with +felt. She looked neither to the right nor the left, and she saw +nothing of the strange restlessness which seemed to pervade the camp. +Everywhere the shadows of men were moving noiselessly about. Spectral +guns were surrounded by little groups of whispering soldiers. There +was no bivouacing, the camp-fires burned low. Every now and then, when +challenged, she mechanically repeated the countersign. All the while +her lips were moving in one ceaseless, passionate prayer.</p> + +<p>They took her pony at the summit, and a silent sentry pointed to where +a single dark figure stood out against the empty background. A few +yards to his left was the great beacon, and a row of torches burned in +a stand, ever ready for the signal. She called to him softly, and even +to herself her voice seemed to come from a long way off.</p> + +<p>“Nicholas! Nicholas!”</p> + +<p>He turned towards her, and she saw that his face was livid. He was +horrified to see her.</p> + +<p>“Marie! The good God! What has happened?”</p> + +<p>“I have deceived you, Nicholas,” she whispered, hoarsely. “The writing +was not the writing of the King. It was Domiloff’s plot, and I wanted +to see you King. The King has saved my life. Forever, Nicholas, you +and I must be his faithful subjects. I have given my word. I have +pledged your honour.”</p> + +<p>Then into the face of Nicholas of Reist there came a transfiguring and +almost holy joy. He uttered no word <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_341" id="Page_341">[Pg 341]</a></span>of reproach. The glory of life +was once more hot in his pulses. He drew her to him.</p> + +<p>“Thank God!” he sobbed. “This way, Marie! Now listen!”</p> + +<p>She stooped with him over that awful chaos. From below came a sound +like the falling of autumn rains upon dead leaves. He held her to him.</p> + +<p>“It is the Turks,” he whispered.</p> + +<p>She sprang away in horror, but he laughed softly.</p> + +<p>“Marie,” he said, “that is well. Instead of a sleeping camp our guns +will rake the Pass, our men await only the signal. Up here, where one +is near God, one sees clearly. I am the faithful servant of Theos, +even though the King had been my enemy. See!”</p> + +<p>He listened for a moment, and then crossing the hill, took a torch +from the stand and plunged it into the heart of the great beacon. +Tongues of fire leaped up to the sky, and a hoarse murmur passed like +a wind through the camp. Then the ground beneath them shook with the +roar of artillery. Nicholas took her by the arm.</p> + +<p>“Ride for Theos at once,” he directed. “You will be quite safe, for no +Turk will pass alive through the Pass. Tell the King that I am his +faithful servant.”</p> + +<hr class="medium" /> + +<p>About halfway to Theos, Brand, galloping furiously out from the city, +came face to face with Marie riding leisurely home on a small pony. He +leaped from his horse in amazement.</p> + +<p>“Marie,” he exclaimed, “what is happening at the Pass? How came you +here?”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_342" id="Page_342">[Pg 342]</a></span></p><p>She was very tired, but she smiled at him reassuringly.</p> + +<p>“Nicholas has over ten thousand Turks in the defile,” she said. “They +must either surrender or be killed.”</p> + +<p>“Thank God!” he exclaimed.</p> + +<p>She got off her pony and sat on a bank.</p> + +<p>“I am very tired,” she said, and, swaying suddenly towards him, +fainted in his arms.</p> + +<p>Brand was a man of resource, and in a few minutes she reopened her +eyes. He poured some brandy between her lips, and she sat up.</p> + +<p>“I am very sorry,” she said. “I rode last night from Theos to Althea, +and I have had no rest.”</p> + +<p>He made her drink some milk. They sat hand in hand, a wonderful dawn +breaking in the east. By and by a horseman from Theos passed them at +full gallop.</p> + +<p>“The war is over,” he cried. “The English fleet is at Constantinople! +The Turks have sued for peace. Long live the King.”</p> + +<p>He vanished in a cloud of dust, riding furiously for the Pass. Brand +took Marie into his arms and kissed her.</p> + +<p>“Dear,” he said, “I haven’t much money, and I’m only an ordinary man.”</p> + +<p>She laughed softly.</p> + +<p>“I think in Theos,” she said, “we have clung a little too closely to +the old ideals. Rank is very well, and money I know little about. But +on the whole, I am glad that you are an ordinary man.”</p> + +<p><a name="illo4" id="illo4"></a></p><div class="figcenter" style="width: 356px;"> +<img src="images/i349.jpg" class="ispace" width="356" height="500" alt="“‘THE WAR IS OVER,’ HE CRIED.”" title="" /> +<span class="caption">“‘THE WAR IS OVER,’ HE CRIED.”</span> +</div> + +<p>They rode into Theos as the King arrived from Solika. The Cathedral +bells clanged out a welcome, the people lined the streets, everywhere +breathless excitement <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_343" id="Page_343">[Pg 343]</a></span>prevailed. Old Baron Doxis met the King on the palace steps. He held +out both hands, but his eyes were wet with tears.</p> + +<p>“Your Majesty,” he said, “this is your day of triumph, and yours +alone. May God send you in the future wiser and better councillors.”</p> + +<p>But Ughtred passed his arm through the old man’s, and led him into the +palace.</p> + +<p>“I am young and I was unproven,” he said. “I shall be quite satisfied +if God will preserve for many years my present ones.”</p> + +<hr class="medium" /> + +<p>Theos won for herself, as the fruits of that brief campaign, a +wonderful military reputation, and every prospect of unbroken peace. +She entered indeed upon that golden age which comes once in the +world’s history to every nation, great or small. Mr. Van Decht built a +palace within the city, and invested all his vast capital in the +country. Brand, whose services no one realized more thoroughly than +the King, accepted a Government appointment and entered the House of +Laws a naturalized Thetian. And when they asked the King what gift a +grateful nation could offer him, he answered them promptly but in very +few words.</p> + +<p>“The right to depart from a constitutional principle. The right to +share my throne with the woman I love.”</p> + +<p>There was no hesitation, no break in the thunderous applause which +greeted his answer, and which Nicholas of Reist himself led. The +marriage of Ughtred of Tyrnaus and Sara Van Decht under such +conditions touched the imagination of Europe. Every capital was +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_344" id="Page_344">[Pg 344]</a></span>anxious to <i>fête</i> them, the Society papers lived upon their doings +for years. But even they did not know that during that famous visit to +London, where they were received with a consideration rarely accorded +even to royalty, they stole away one evening and dined together +<i>tête-à-tête</i> at a famous London restaurant. They were unrecognized, +and they enjoyed themselves like children. Afterwards they found out a +certain seat in a certain corner of the palm lounge, and spent a very +delightful hour there. When at last they rose to go he took her hand +for a moment softly in his.</p> + +<p>“Tell me,” he whispered, “you find it possible to be happy, although +you are a queen?”</p> + +<p>“I am your wife, dear,” she answered, with a little squeeze of his +hand, which seemed to satisfy him.</p> + +<p>An amazing whisper suddenly passed from group to group of the +brilliantly-dressed men and women who sat about in the Court. The band +broke off in the middle of a selection and played the National air of +Theos. Every one rose respectfully. He passed her hand through his arm +with a little grimace.</p> + +<p>“They have found us out, dear,” he whispered.</p> + +<p>The people gazed with breathless but well-bred interest. They saw a +tall, distinguished-looking man, with the mark of a recent scar +slightly disfiguring his left temple, and upon his arm the most +beautiful woman in the room, her eyes wonderfully soft and brilliant, +a delicate flush upon her cheeks. The King and Queen of Theos passed +out to their carriage.</p> + +<p> </p> + +<hr class="large" /> + +<h3><span class="smcap">Transcriber’s Notes:</span></h3> + +<p>1. Minor changes have been made to correct typesetters’ errors; otherwise, +every effort has been made to remain true to the author’s words and intent.</p> + +<p>2. 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