"Thatisnothing，"answeredtheKing。"Heisgoingtoplaythespyandseethatthemanissafelyinjail。Thenhewillreturnandreporttous。Wemustcongratulatehimwarmly。Hefollowsatadiscreetdistance，youobserve，andkeepshimselfwelloutofsight。Theboyknowsbetterthantocompromisehimselfbybeingseeninconversationwiththeman。Ofcourse，ifRenauldissetfreewemustsaywehadnopartinhisarrest，thattheAmericanmadethearrestonhisownauthority。Whataconvenienttooltheyoungmanis。Why，hiscomingreallyfrightenedusatfirst，andnow——nowwemakeacat’s—pawofhim。"TheKinglaughedmerrily。"Weundervalueourselvessometimes，dowenot？"
"Heisaniceboy，"saidZara。"Ifeelrathersorryforhim。
HelookedsoanxiousanddistressedwhenIwassosillyastofaintonthebeachjustnow。Hehandledmeastenderlyasawomanwouldhavedone——notthatwomenhavegenerallyhandledmetenderly，"sheadded。
"Iwasthinkingthesimilewasrathermisplaced，"saidtheKing。
Gordonpassedthecitywallandheardthegatesswingtobehindhim。TheFrenchmanandhistwocaptorswerejustahead，toilingheavilyupthesteepandnarrowstreet。GordonthrewhiscigarfromhimandranleapingoverthehugecobblestotheFrenchman’ssideandtouchedhimontheshoulder。
"Weareoutofsightofthehotel，now，General，"hesaid。Hepointedtothedark，coolrecessesofacoffee—shopandheldbacktherugthathungbeforeit。"Comeinhere，"hesaid，"andtellmethatstory。"
IV
BaronBarratwassuspiciousbyeducation——hisexperienceoflifeandhisownconducthadtendedtorenderhimso；andaccordinglywhen，threehoursafterhehadseenGordonapparentlycommittheFrenchofficertojail，hefoundthemleavingacafeinthemostfriendlyandamicablespirit，hewastednotimeininvestigation，buthurriedatoncetowarntheKing。
"Whatwefearedwouldhappen，hashappened，"hesaid。"TheFrenchmanhastoldGordonthatZaraandKalonaysoldthesecretoftheexpedition，andGordonwillbecomingheretowarnyouofit。Now，whatareyougoingtodo？Wemustactquickly。"
"IshallrefusetobelievetheFrenchman，ofcourse，"saidtheKing。"IshallaskZarainhispresencetoanswerhischarges，andshewilltellhimhelies。Thatisalltherewillbeofit。Whatdoesitmatterwhathesays？Wesailatmidnight。Wecankeephimquietuntilthen。"
"IfheistroublesomeIcancallforhelpfromthisroom，andtheservantsofthehotelandtheguardswillrushinandfindusstrugglingtogether。Wewillchargehimwithanattemptatassassination，andthistimehesurelywillgotojail。Byto—morrowmorningweshallbemanymilesatsea。"
"ButhecancabletoMessina，bywayofGibraltar，andheadusoff，"objectedBarrat。
"Whatcanhecable？"demandedtheKing。"NothingthepeopleoftheRepublicdonotalreadyknow。Itisourfriendsherethatmustnotfindusout。Thatisthemainthing。ThankHeaven!"heexclaimed，"KalonayandPaulareoutoftheway，andthosecrazyboysfromParis。Wewillsettleithereamongourselvesinfiveminutes。"
"AndtheAmerican？"askedZara。"Heknows，hewillcomewithhim。Supposehebelieves，supposehebelievesthatKalonayandIhavesoldyouout，butsuspectsthatyouknowit？"
"TheAmericancangotothedevil，"saidtheKing。"Confoundhimandhisinsolence。I’llhavehimintheprisontoo，ifheinterferes。OrErhauptcanpickaquarrelwithhimhereandfightitoutbehindthesand—hillsbeforetheothersgetbackfromtheirpicnic。Hehasdoneasmuchformebefore。"
Zarastoodup。Shewastremblingslightly，andsheglancedfearfullyfromErhaupttotheKing。
"Youwillnotdothat，"shesaid。
"Andwhynot，madame？"demandedLouis。
"Becauseitwillbemurder，"Zarawhispered。"HewillmurderhimashedidthatboyintheParkatPesth。"
"Whatdoesthewomanmean？"growledtheGerman。"Isshemad？
Sendhertoherroom，Louis。"
"YouknowwhatImean，"Zaraanswered，hervoicerising，inherexcitement。"Youfiredbeforetheygavetheword。Iknowyoudid。Oh，Louis，"shecried，"youneverwarnedmeitmightcometothis。Iamafraid。Iamafraidtomeetthatman————"
Shegaveasuddencry。"AndKalonay!"Sheheldoutherhandsappealingly。"Indeed，"shecried，"donotletKalonayquestionme。"
"Silence!"commandedtheKing。"Youareactinglikeafool。"
Headvancedtowardher，andclaspedherwristfirmlyinhishand。"Nonerves，now，"hesaid。"I’llnothaveit。YoushallmeetKalonay，andyoushallswearthatheisintheplotagainstme。Ifyoufailusnow，weareruined。Asitis，wearesuretolosethebribefromtheRepublic，butwemaystillgetMissCarson’smoneyifyouplayyourpart。ItisyourwordandthewordoftheFrenchmanagainstKalonay’s。
AndwehavethepapersignedbyyouforKalonayasevidence。
Haveyougotitwithyou？"
Zarabowedherhead。"Itisalwayswithme，"sheanswered。
"Good，"saidtheKing。"Itwillbeadifficultchance，butifyoustandtoyourstory，andwepretendtobelieveyou，theothersmaybelieveyou，too。"
"ButIcannot，"Zaracried。"IknowIcannot。ItellyouifyouputmefacetofacewithKalonay，Ishallfailyou。I
shallbreakdown。TheywillseethatIamlying。Sendmeaway。Sendmeawaybeforetheycome。TellthemIsawtheFrenchman，andsuspectedIhadbeenfoundout，andthatIhavegoneaway。Tellthemyoudon’tknowwhereIam。"
"Ibelieveshe’sright，"Erhauptsaid。"Shewilldousmoreharmthangood。Lethergotoherroomandwaitthere。"
"Shewillremainwheresheis，"saidtheKing，sternly。"Andshewillkeephercourageandherwitsabouther，or————"
HewasinterruptedbyanexclamationfromBarrat。"Whateveryoumeantodo，youmustdoitatonce，"hesaid，grimly。Hewasstandingatthewindowwhichoverlookedthebeach。"Heretheycomenow，"hecontinued。"TheAmericanhastakennochances，heisbringinganaudiencewithhim。"
TheKingandErhauptrantothewindow，andpeeredoverBarrat’sshoulder。
Advancingtowardthemalongthebeach，someonfoot，andsomeonhorseback，wereallthemembersoftheexpedition，thosewhohadbeenoftheriding—partyandthosewhohadremainedinTangier。GordonandtheFrenchmanRenauldwerefarinthelead，walkingbythemselvesandspeakingearnestlytogether；
FatherPaulwaswalkingwithMrs。Carsonandherdaughter，andKalonaywasridingwithtwoofthevolunteers，theCountdeRouenandPrinceHenriofPoitiers。
WhentheKingandErhauptturnedfromthewindowtheCountessZarahaddisappeared。"Itisbetterso，"saidErhaupt；"shewassobadlyfrightenedshewouldhavetoldthetruth。"
TheKingstoodleaningonthebackofalargearm—chair。
"Well，themomenthascome，itisourlastchance，"hesaid。
"SendfortheCrownPrince，Baron。Ishallbediscoveredintheactoftakingatenderfarewellofmyson。"
Barratmadeaneagergestureofdissent。
"Iwouldnotdothat，"hecried。"Ifwearetomakechargesagainstthejackaldonothavetheboypresent；theboymustnothearthem。YouknowhowKalonayworshipsthechild，anditwouldenragehimmoretobeexposedbeforethePrincethanbeforealltherestoftheworld。Hewillbehardenoughtohandlewithoutthat。Don’ttryhimtoofar。"
"Youareabsurd，Barrat，"exclaimedtheKing。"Theboywon’tunderstandwhatissaid。"
"No，buttheJackalwill，"Barratreturned。"Youdon’tunderstandhim，Louis，heislikeawoman；hehassentimentandfeelings，andwhenweallturnonhimhewillactlikeamadman。Keeptheboyoutofhissight，Itellyou。It’stheonlythinghecaresforintheworld。Hehasbeenabetterfathertohimthanyoueverhavebeen。"
"Thatwasquitenatural；thatwasbecauseitwashisduty，"
saidtheKing，calmly。"AKalonayhasalwaysbeentheprotectorandtutoroftheheir—apparent。Ifthisonechoosestogivehisheartwithhisservice，thatisnotmyconcern。
Why，confoundthem，theyallthinkmoreofthechildthantheydoofme。ThatiswhyIneedhimbymenow。"
Barratshookhishead。"Itellyouitwillmaketrouble，hepersisted。"Kalonaywillnotstandit。Heandthechildaremorelikecomradesthanatutorandhispupil。Why，KalonaywouldrathersitwiththeboyintheChamps—ElyseesandpointoutthepeopleastheygobythandriveatthesideoftheprettiestwomaninParis。Healwaystreatshimasthoughhesawtheinvisiblecrownuponhishead；hewillthrowoveranyofustostayinthenurseryandplaytinsoldierswithhim。
Andwhenhewasill——"Barratnoddedhisheadsignificantly。
"Youremember。"
"Thatwilldo，"saidtheKing。"Wehavenotimetoconsiderthefinerfeelingsofthejackal；heistobesacrificed，andthatisallthereisofit。Theprsenceofthechildmaymakehimmoreunmanageable，butitwillcertainlymakeiteasierforme。Sogo，bringtheboyhereasIbidyou。"
Barratlefttheroomandreturnedimmediately，followedbytheCrownPrinceandhisnurse。ThePrincewasadark，handsomelittlefellowoffouryears。Hismotherhaddiedwhenhewasborn，andhehadneverplayedwithchildrenofhisownage，andhisfacewasabsurdlywiseandwistful；butitlightedwithasweetandgratefulsmilewhenanyoneshowedhimkindnessorsoughttoarousehisinterest。TotheCrownPrinceKalonaywasanawfulandwonderfulbeing。Hewastheonepersonwhocouldmakehimlaughoutofpurehappinessandfornoreason，asachildshouldlaugh。Andpeoplewhohadseenthemtogetheraskedwhichoftheprinceswastheolderofthetwo。Whenthechildenteredtheroom，clingingtoBarrat’sfinger，hecarriedinhisotherhandawoodenspadeandbucket，stilldampwithsand，andhewasdressedinashabbybluesailorsuitwhichlefthislittlelegsbare，andexposedthescratchesandbruisesofmanyfalls。Afewmomentslater，whentheconspiratorsenteredtheKing’ssalon，precededbyErhaupt，theyfoundtheboystandingbyhisfather’sknee。TheKinghadhishanduponthechild’shead，andhadbeeninterruptedapparentlyinadiscourseonthedignityofkingship，fortheroyalcrownofMessinahadbeenbroughtoutandstoodbesidehimonthetable，andhisotherhandrestedonitreverently。Itwasaneffectivetableau，andthevisitorsobserveditwithvaryingemotions，butwithsilence。
TheKingrose，takinghisson’shandinhis，andbowed，lookinginquiringlyfromBarrattothePrinceKalonay。
"TowhatdoIowethepleasureofthisvisit？"heasked。"Wasitdiscreetofyoutocometogetherinthisway？Butyouaremostwelcome。Placechairsfortheladies，Barrat。"
Kalonayglancedattheothers，andtheynoddedtohimasthoughtomakehimtheirspokesman。HepointedatGordonwithhiscap。
"Wearehereontheinvitationofthisgentleman，yourMajesty，"hesaid。"Hetookituponhimselftosendafterthoseofuswhohadgoneintothecountry，andcameinpersonfortheotherswhoremainedintown。Hetellsushehasnewsofthegreatestimportancetocommunicate，whichhecannotdiscloseexcepttoyou，andinthepresenceofallofthosewhoaretotakepartintheexpedition。Wedecidedtoaccompanyhimhere，asheaskedus，andtoleaveittoyourMajestytosaywhetherornotyouwishedustoremain。"
KalonaysmiledinapologyattheKing，andtheKingansweredhimwithasmile。
"Theprocedureisperhapsunconventional，"theKingsaid，"butinAmericatheymovequickly。Nodoubtouryoungcompanionhasactedashethoughtwasforthebest。Ifhehastakenaliberty，thenatureofhisnewswillprobablyexcusehim。
Perhaps，Mr。Gordon，"headded，turningtotheAmerican，"youhadbetterfirsttellmewhatthisdiscoveryis，andIwilldecidewhetheritisbesttodiscussitinopencouncil。"
GordondidnotappeartobetheleastdisturbedbythecriticismKalonayandtheKinghadpasseduponhisconduct。
HeonlysmiledpleasantlywhentheKinghadfinishedspeaking，andshowednoinclinationtoacceptaprivateaudience。
"WhatIhavetosay，yourMajesty，"hebegan，"isthis。I
havelearnedthatallthesecretsofyourexpeditionhavebeensoldtotheRepublicofMessina。Oneofthosenowpresentinthisroomischargedwithhavingsoldthem。ShallIgoon，"
heasked，"ordoyoustillthinkitadvisableforanyonetoleavetheroom。
HepausedandglancedfromtheKingtothedoublerowofconspirators，whowerestandingtogetherinaclosesemicirclefacingtheKingandhimself。Theinstantheceasedspeakingthererosefromtheirranksanoutburstofconsternation，ofanger，andofindignantdenial。TheKing’sspiritsrosewithinhimatthesound，althoughhefrownedandmadeagestureasthoughtocommandsilence。
"Mr。Gordon，thisisaseriouschargeyoumake，"hesaid，smilinggrimly。"Onethatmaycostyouagreatdeal——itmightcostyouyourlifeperhaps。"Hepausedsignificantly，andtherewasasecondoutburst，thistimefromtheyoungermen，whichcamesosuddenlythatitwasasthoughLouishadplayeduponcertainchordsonakeyboard，andthesoundshewantedhadansweredtohistouch。
"Pardonme，thatisnotthequestion，"saidGordon。"ThatI
makechargesorrunrisksinmakingchargesisnotimportant。
Thatyourexpeditionhasfailedbeforeithasevenstartedis，however，ofgreatimportance，atleastsoitseestome。"
Therewasamovementinthecircle，andFatherPaulpushedhiswayforwardfromhisplacebesideMissCarson’schair。Hewassogreatlymovedthatwhenhespokehisvoicewasharshandbroken。"Whatisyourauthorityforsayingwehavefailed？"
hedemanded。
GordonbowedgravelyandturnedandpointedtotheFrenchman。
"Thisgentleman，"hesaid，"isGeneralRenauld，Commander—in—ChiefofthearmyofMessina。Heismyauthority。Heknowsallthatyoumeantodo。Ifheknowsit，itislikely，isitnot，thathisarmyandthePresidentoftheRepublicknowitalso，andthatwhenweattempttolandtheywillbewaitingforus。"
TheKingsilencedthesecondoutburstthatfollowedthisbyrisingandholdinguphishand。
"Silence!IbelieveIcanexplain，"hesaid。Hewassmiling，andhisbearingwaseasyandsofullofassurancethattheexclamationsandwhispersdiedawayontheinstant。"IamafraidIseewhathashappened，"theKingsaid。"Butthereneedbenocauseforalarm。Thisgentlemanis，asMr。Gordonsays，theCommander—in—ChiefoftheMessinianarmy，anditistruehesuspectedthatanarmedforcewouldinvadetheisland。
Itisnotstrangethatheshouldhavesuspectedit，anditneedednotraitortoenlightenhim。ThevisitofFatherPaulandthePrinceKalonayintheyacht，andtheirspeechesincitingthepeopletorebellion，wouldhavewarnedthegovernmentthatanexpeditionmightsoonfollow。ThereturnofouryachttothisplacehasnodoubtbeenmadeknowninMessinathroughthepublicpress，andGeneralRenauldfollowedtheyachtheretolearnwhathecouldofourplans——ofourintendedmovements。Hecameheretospyonus，andasaspyI
orderedMr。Gordontoarresthimthismorningonanychargehepleased，andtoplacehimoutofourwayuntilafterto—night，whenweshouldhavesailed。IchoseMr。Gordontoundertakethisservicebecausehehappenedtospeakthelanguageofthecountry，anditwasnecessarytodealdirectlywiththelocalauthoritieswithouttheinterventionofanoutsider。Whathashappenedisonlytooevident。Thespy，whowhenhecamehereonlysuspected，now，asMr。Gordonsays，knowsthetruth，andhecouldhavelearneditonlyfromoneperson，towhomhehasnodoubtpaidaprettypricefortheinformation。"TheKingtookastepforwardandpointedwithhishandattheAmerican。
"Igavethatmanintoyourkeeping，sir，"hecried，"butIhadyouwatched。Insteadofplacinghiminjailyoutookhimtoacafeandremainedtherewithhimforthreehours，andfromthatcafeyoucamedirectlyheretothisroom。Ifheknowsthetruth，helearneditinthatcafe，andhelearneditfromyou!"TherewasaringofsuchearnestnessandsincerityintheKing’sspeech，andhedelivereditwithsuchindignationandbittercontemptthatashoutofrelief，ofapprobationandconviction，wentupfromhishearers，andfellasquicklyonthewordsastheapplauseofanaudiencedrownsoutthelastnoteofagreatburstofsong。Barrat，intheexcessofhisrelief，turnedhisbacksharplyontheKing，glancingsidewaysatErhauptandshakinghisheadinspeechlessadmiration。
"Heiswonderful，simplywonderful，"Erhauptmuttered；"hewouldhavemadeagreatactororagreatdiplomat。"
"HeiswastedasaKing，"whisperedBarrat。
TherewasamenacingmovementonthepartoftheyoungermentowardGordonandGeneralRenauld，whichtheKingnoted，butwhichhemadenoefforttocheck。NeitherGordonnorGeneralRenauldgaveanysignthattheyobservedit。TheAmericanwasbusilyengagedinsearchinghispockets，andfromoneoftheseheproducedtwopiecesofpaper，whichheheldupabovehishead，sothatthoseintheroommightseethem。
"Onemoment，please，"hebegan，andthenwaiteduntilthetumultintheroomhadceased。"Again，Imustpointouttoyou，"hesaid，inbrisk，business—liketones，"thatwearedigressing。Theimportantthingisnotwhodid，ordidnot，sellouttheexpedition，butthatitisindangeroffailingaltogether。WhathisMajestysaysisinpartcorrect。Ididnottakethisgentlemantojail；Ididtakehimtoacafe，andtherehetoldmemuchmoreconcerningtheexpeditionthanI
hadlearnedfromthosedirectlyinterested。Hisinformation，hetoldme，hadbeensoldtotheRepublicbyonewhovisitedtheislandandwhoclaimedtoactforoneother。I
appreciatedtheimportanceofwhathesaid，andIalsoguessedthatmywordandhisunsupportedmightbedoubted，asyouhavejustdoubtedit。SoItookthelibertyofverifyingwhatGeneralRenauldtoldmebycablingtothePresidentofMessina。"
Therewasashoutofconsternationatthesewords，butGordon’smannerwassoconfidentandtheaudacityofhisadmissionsosurprisedhishearersthattheyweresilentagainimmediately，andwaited，withbreathlessinterest，whileGordonunfoldedoneofthepiecesofpaper。
"ThisisacopyofthecablegramIsentthePresident，"hesaid，"andtowhich，withhispermission，IsignedGeneralRenauld’sname。Itisasfollows：——
ThePresident。ThePalace，Messina。——Theywillnotbelieveyouarefullyinformed。CableatoncetheexacthourwhentheywillleaveTangier，atwhathourtheyexpecttoland，atwhatplacetheyexpecttoland，whatsumyouhavepromisedtopayforthisinformation，andthenamesofthosetowhomitistobepaid。
RENAULD。
Gordonloweredthepaper。"Isthatquiteclear？"heasked。
"Doyoufollowme？Ihaveinvitedtheenemyhimselftoinformyouofyourplans，andtotellyouwhohasbetrayedthem。Hisanswer，whichwasreceivedahalfhourago，removesallsuspicionfromanysavethosehenames。GeneralRenauldandmyselfceasetobeoftheleastconsequenceinthematter；weareonlymessengers。ItisthePresidentofMessinawhowillspeaktoyounow。IfyoustilldoubtthatthesecretofyourexpeditionisknowntothePresidentyouwillhavetodoubthim。"
TheKingsprangquicklytohisfeetandstruckthearmofhischairsharplywithhisopenhand。
"Ishallnotpermitthatmessagetoberead，"hesaid。"Ifwehaveatraitorhere，heisatraitoragainstme。AndIshalldealwithhimasIseefit，inprivate。"
Therewasamurmurofdisappointmentandofdisapprovaleven，andtheKingagainstruckthearmofhischairforsilence。
Kalonayadvancedtowardhim，shakinghisheadandholdingouthishandsinprotest。
"YourMajesty，Ibeseechyou，"hebegan。"Thisconcernsusall，"hecried。"Itistooevidentthatwehavebeenbetrayed；butitisnotfairtoanyofusthatweshouldalllieundersuspicion，aswemustunlessitistoldwhohasbeenguiltyofthisinfamy。IbegyourMajestytoreconsider。
Thereisnooneinthisroomwhoisnotinoursecret，andwhoeverhasbetrayedusmustbewithushereandnow。I，whohaveaninterestsecondonlytoyourown，askthatthatcablegramberead。"
Therewasamurmurofapprobationfromtheconspirators，andexclamationsofapprovalandentreaty。MissCarson，inherexcitement，hadrisentoherfeetandwasstandingholdinghermother’shand。TheKingglanceduncertainlyatKalonay，andthenturnedtoBarratandErhauptasifindoubt。
Gordon’seyeswerefixedforamomentonKalonaywithastrangeandpuzzledexpression。Thenhegaveashortsighofrelief，andturningquicklysearchedthefacesofthosearoundhim。Whathesawseemedtoconfirmhiminhispurpose，forhefoldedthepaperandplaceditinhispocket。"HisMajestyisright，"hesaid。"Ishallnotreadthis。"
KalonayandFatherPaulturneduponhimangrily。"Youhavenochoiceinthematter，sir，"Kalonaycried。"Ithaspassedentirelyoutofyourhands。"
"IbegyourMajestythatthecablegramberead，"thepriestdemanded，inavoicethatheldlessthetoneofarequestthanofacommand。
"Ishallnotreadit，"persistedGordon，"becausethepersonchieflyconcernedisnotpresent。"
"Thatisallthemorereasonforreadingit，"saidKalonay。
"YourMajestymustreconsider。"
TheKingwhisperedtoBarrat，andtheotherswaitedinsilencethatexpressedtheirinterestmoreclearlythanachorusofquestionswouldhavedone。
"Itshallbeasyouask，"theKingsaid，atlast。"Youmayreadthemessage，Mr。Gordon。"
Gordonopenedthepaperandlookedatitforsomesecondsoftimewithagraveandperplexedexpression，andthen，withashortbreath，asonewhotakesaplunge，readitaloud。"Thisisit，"hesaid。
ToGeneralRenauld。CableOffice，Tangier。——TheyleaveTangierTuesdayatmidnight，theylandatdaybreakThursdaymorningonthesouthbeachbelowtheoldbreakwater。ThesecretoftheexpeditionwassoldusforthreehundredthousandfrancsbytheCountessZaraandthePrinceKalonay。
Gordonstuckthepaperinhispocket，and，crossingtoKalonay，heldouthishand，withasmile。"Idon’tbelieveit，ofcourse，"hesaid；"butyouwouldhaveit。"
Kalonayneithersawthegesturenorheardthewords。HewasturninginbewildermentfromtheKingtoFatherPaul，andhelaugheduncertainly。
"Whatnonsenseisthis？"hedemanded。"Whosesorrytrickisthis？Thelieisnoteveningenious。"
GeneralRenauldhadnotspokensincehehadenteredtheroom，butnowheadvancedinfrontofKalonayandfacedhimwithathreateninggesture。
"ThePresidentofMessinadoesnotlie，sir，"hesaid，sternly。"ImyselfsawtheCountessZarawriteoutthatpaper，whichIandotherssigned，andinwhichweagreedtopaytoherandtoyouthemoneyyouaskedforbetrayingyourKing。"
FatherPaulpressedhishandheavilyonKalonay’sshoulder。
"Donotanswerhim，"hecommanded。GordonhadmovedtoKalonay’sotherside，andthethreemenhadunconsciouslyassumedanattitudeofdefence，andstoodbacktobackinalittlegroupfacingtheangrycirclethatencompassedthem。
Thepriestraisedhisarmtocommandahearing。
"WhereisMadameZara？"hecried。
"Ah，whereindeed？"echoedtheKing，sinkingbackintohischair。"Shehasfled。Itisalltooevidentnow；shehasbetrayedusandshehasfled。"
Butonhiswords，asifinanswertothepriest’ssummons，thecurtainsthathidthedoorintotheKing’sprivateroomwerepulledtooneside，andMadameZaraappearedbetweenthem，glancingfearfullyattheexcitedcrowdbeforeher。Asshestoodhesitatingonthethreshold，sheswayedslightlyandclutchedthecurtainsforamomentasthoughforsupport。Thepriestadvanced，andledhertothecentreoftheroom。Sheheldafoldedpaperinherhand，whichshegavetohiminsilence。
"Youhaveheardwhathaspassed？"heasked，withatossofhisheadtowardtheheavycurtains。Thewomanraisedherheadandbowed。Thepriestunfoldedthepaper。
"AmItoreadthis？"heasked。Thewomanbowedagain。
Therewassilenceintheroomwhilethepriest’seyesranquicklyoverthepaper。Hecrusheditinhishand。
"ItisasGeneralRenauldsays，"heexclaimed。"InthistheRepublicofMessinaagreestopaytheCountessZaraandthePrinceKalonaythreehundredthousandfrancs，iftheexpeditioniswithdrawnafterithasmadeapretenceoflandingontheshoresofMessina。"
Hetookastepforward。"MadameZara，"hecried，inatoneofwarning，"doyoupretendthatthePrinceKalonaywasyouraccompliceinthis；thatheknewwhatyoumeanttodo？"
MadameZaraoncemorebowedherhead。
"No!Youmustspeak，"commandedthepriest。"Answerme!"
Zarahesitated，inevidentdistress，andglancedappealinglyattheKing；buttheexpressiononhisfacewasoneofgriefandofunrelentingvirtue。"Ido，"shesaid，atlast，inalowvoice。"Kalonaydidknow。Hethoughttherevolutionwouldnotsucceed；hethoughtitwouldfail，andso——andso——andweneededmoney。Theymademe——I，OmyGod，I
cannot——Icannot!"shecried，suddenly，sinkingonherkneesandhidingherfacewithherhands。
Kalonaysteppedtowardherandliftedhergentlytoherfeet；
butwhenshelookedandsawwhoitwasthatheldher，shegaveacryandpulledherselffree。Shestaggeredandwouldhavefallen，hadnotGordoncaughtandheldherbythearm。TheKingrosefromhischairandpointedattheshrinkingfigureofthewoman。
"Standasidefromher，"hesaid，sternly。"Whyshouldwepityher，whatpityhassheshownforus——forme？Shehasrobbedmeofmyinheritance。Butlethergo，sheisawoman；wecannotpunishher。Hersinsrestonherownhead。Butyou——you，"hecried，turningfiercelyonKalonay，hisvoicerisingtoahighandmelancholykey，"youwhomIhaveheapedwithhonors，whomIhaveleaneduponasonthearmofabrother，thatyoushouldhavesoldmeforsilver，thatyoushouldhaveturnedJudas!"
Thecrowdofvolunteers，bewilderedbytherapidsuccessionofevents，andconfusedandrendereddesperatebythefailureoftheirexpedition，caughtuptheword，andpressingforwardwitharush，surroundedKalonayinanangrycircle，crying"Judas!""Traitor!"and"Coward!"
Kalonayturnedfromsidetoside。Onsomehesmiledbitterlyinsilence，andatothershebrokeoutintoswiftandfiercedenunciations；butthemenaroundhimcrowdedcloserandwouldnotpermithimtobeheard。Hehadturneduponthem，againchallengingthemtolisten，whentherewasanopeninginthecircleandthemensteppedback，andMissCarsonpushedherwayamongthemandhaltedatKalonay’sside。Shedidnotlookathim，butatthemenabouthim。Shewastheonlycalmfigureinthegroup，andhercalmnessatsuchacrisis，andheryouth，andthefinenessandfearlessnessofherbeauty，surprisedthemintoasuddenquiet。Therewasinstantlyacryfororder，andthemenstoodcuriousandpuzzled，watchingtoseewhatshewoulddo。
"Gentlemen，"shesaid，inaclear，gravevoice。"Gentlemen，"
sherepeated，sharply，asafewmurmursstillgreetedher，"ifyouaregentlemen，letthisladyspeak。Shehasnotfinished。"ShecrossedquicklyandtooktheCountessZarabythehand。"Goon，madame，sheurged，gently。"Donotbeafraid。Yousaytheymadeyoudoit。Whomadeyoudoit？
Youhavetoldusapartofthetruth。Nowtellusthewholetruth。"Foramomentthegirlseemedmuchtheolderofthetwo，andasZaraglancedupatherfearfully，shesmiledtoreassureher，andstrokedthewoman’shandwithherown。"Whomadeyoudoit？"sherepeated。"NotthePrinceKalonay，surely。Youcannothopetomakeusbelievethat。Wetrusthimabsolutely。Whowasit，then？"
TheKingsprangforwardwithanoath；hisapathyandmockdignityhadfallenfromhimlikeamask。Hisfacewasmottled，andhisviciouslittleeyesflashedwithfearandanger。Erhauptcrowdedclosebehindhim，crouchinglikeadogathisheels。
"Shehasliedenoughalready，"theKingcried。"Wewillnotlistentoher。Takeheraway。"
"Yes，lethergo，"shoutedErhaupt，withalaugh。"Ifshehadbeenadecentwoman————"
TherewasaquickpartinginthegroupandthesoundofaheavyblowasKalonayflunghimselfuponErhauptandstruckhimintheface，sothathestaggeredandfellatlengthuponthefloor。Gordonstoodoverhim，hisfingerstwitchingathisside。
"Standup，youbully，"hesaid，"andgetoutofthis，beforewethrowyouout。"
Zara’sfacehadturnedapitifulcrimson，buthereyesflashedandburnedwithresolveandindignation。Shestooderectandmenacing，likeanangrygoddess，andmorebeautifulinherindignationthantheyhadeverseenher。
"Now，Ishalltellthemthetruth，"shesaid，sternly。"Thatman，"shecried，pointingherfingerattheKing，"thatmanwhomtheycallaKing——thatmanwhowouldhavesacrificedtheonlyfriendwhoserveshimunselfishly——isthemanwhosoldyoursecrettotheenemy。Itwashewhomademedoit。HesentmetoMessina，andwhilethepriestandthePrinceKalonaywereworkinginthesouth，Isoldthemtothegovernmentatthecapital。Barratknewit，Erhauptknewit，theKinghimselfplannedit——togetmoney。Hehasrobbedallofhisownpeople；hehadmeanttorobthisyounggirl；andheissomeanandpitifulacreaturethattosavehimselfhenowtriestohidebehindtheskirtsofawoman，andtosacrificeher，——thewomanwhohasgivenhersoultohim。Andforthis——myGod!"shecried，hervoicerisinginanaccentofagonyandbittercontempt——"forthis!"
TherewasagrimandmomentoussilenceintheroomwhileZaraturned，andwithoutwaitingtolearnwhateffectherwordsmighthave，madeherwayswiftlythroughthecrowdandpassedonoutoftheroomandontotheterracebeyond。
TheKingcrouchedbackinhischairlikeacommoncriminalinthedock，glancingfearfullyfromunderhisloweredeyebrowsatthefacesabouthim，andonnonedidheseetheleastquestionofdoubtbutthatZarahadatlastspokenthetruth。
"Shelies，"theKingmuttered，asthoughansweringtheirunspokenthoughts，"thewomanlies。"
Therewasnomovementfromthemenabouthim。Shameforhim，andgriefandbitterdisappointmentforthemselves，showedonthefaceofeach。Fromoutsideasea—breezecaughtupthesandofthebeachanddroveitwhisperingagainstthehighwindows，andthebeatofthewavesupontheshoresfilledoutandmarkedthesilenceoftheroom。
ThePrinceKalonaysteppedfromthecircleandstoodforamomentbeforetheKing，regardinghimwithanexpressionofgriefandbitterirony。TheKing’seyesroseinsolently，andfaltered，andsank。
"Formanyyears，yourMajesty，"thePrincesaid，butsosolemnlythatitwasasthoughhewereajudgeuponthebench，orapriestspeakingacrossanopengrave，"thePrincesofmyhousehaveservedtheKingsofyours。IntimesofwartheyfoughtfortheKinginbattle，theybeggaredthemselvesforhimintimesofpeace；ourwomensoldtheirjewelsfortheKing，ourmengavehimtheirlives，andinallofthesecenturiesthestoryoftheirloyalty，oftheirdevotion，hashadbutonesequel，andhasmetwithbutonereward，——ingratitudeandselfishnessandtreachery。YouknowhowIhaveservedyou，Louis。YouknowthatIgaveupmyfortuneandmyhometogointoexilewithyou，andIdidthatgladly。ButIdidmorethanthat。Ididmorethananykingoranymanhastherighttoexpectofanyotherman。Iservedyouridlepurposessowellthatyou，yourself，calledmeyourjackal，theonlytitleyourMajestyhaseverbestowedthatwasdeserved。ThereisnolowthingnornobasethingthatIhavenotdoneforyou。Toserveyourpleasures，togainyoumoney，IhavesunkensolowthatalltheroyalbloodinEuropecouldnotmakemeclean。ButthereisalimittowhatamanmaydoforhisKing，andtotheloyaltyaKingmayhavetherighttodemand。Andto—dayandhere，withme，thestoryofourdevotiontoyourHouseends，andyougoyourwayandIgomine，andthelastofmyracebreakshisswordandthrowsitatyourfeet，andisdonewithyouandyoursforever。"
Eventhoseintheroomwhoheldnosympathyintheirheartsforthesentimentthathadinspiredtheyoungman，feltthatatthatmomentandintheirhearinghehadrenouncedwhatwastohimhisreligionandhisfaith，andonthefacesofallwastheexpressionofadeeppityandconcern。Theirownadventure，inthelightofhisgriefandbitternessofspirit，seemedselfishandlittle，andtheystoodmotionless，inanawedandsorrowfulsilence。
Thetensestrainofthemomentwasbrokensuddenlybytheadventonthesceneofanactorwhohad，intherushofevents，beenneglectedandforgotten。ThelittleCrownPrincehadstoodclingingtohisnurse’sskirts，anuncomprehendingspectatorofwhatwasgoingforward。Buthenowadvancedslowly，feelingthatthesilenceinvitedhimtoclaimhisfather’snotice。HehaltedbesidethechairinwhichLouissat，hisheadbentonhishands，andmadeanefforttodrawhimselfuptohisfather’sknee。
ButtheKingpushedhimdown，andhidhisfacefromhim。Thechildturnedirresolutely，withatroubledcountenance，and，lookingup，sawthattheattentionofallwasfixeduponhim。
Atthisdiscoveryasuddenfloodofshynessovertookhim，andheretreatedhastilyuntilhiseyesfellonthePrinceKalonay，standingalone，withhisowneyesturnedresolutelyaway。Therewasabreathlesshushintheroomasthechild，withahappysigh，rantohisformerfriendandcomrade，andreachedupbothhisarms。Thetableauwasafamiliaronetothosewhoknewthem，andmeantonlythatthechildaskedtobeliftedupandswungtotheman’sshoulder；butfollowingasitdidonwhathadjustpassed，thegestureandtheattitudecarriedwiththemthesignificanceofanappeal。Kalonay，asthoughwithagreateffort，loweredhiseyestotheupturnedfaceofthechildbelowhim，butheldhimselfbackandstoodstifflyerect。Asharpshakeofthehead，asthoughhearguedwithhimself，wastheonlysignhegaveofthestrugglethatwasgoingonwithinhim。
Atthissecondrepulse，thechild’sarmsdroppedtohisside，hislipsquivered，andhestood，alonelylittlefigure，glancingupatthecircleofmenabouthim，andstrugglingtopressbackthetearsthatcamecreepingtohiseyes。
Kalonayregardedhimsteadfastlyforabriefmoment，asthoughhesawhimasastranger，searchinghisfacewitheyesaspitifulasthechild’sown；andthen，withasudden，sharpcry，thePrincedroppedonhiskneeandcaughtthechildtowardhim，crushinghimagainsthisheart，andburyinghisfaceonhisshoulder。Therewasashoutofexultationfromthenobles，andanutteredprayerfromthepriest，andinamomenttheyoungmenhadcrowdedinaroundthem，strugglingtobethefirsttokissthechild’shands，andtoaskpardonofthemanwhoheldhiminhisarms。
"Gentlemen，"Kalonaycried，hisvoicelaughingthroughhistears，"weshallstillsailfortheislandofMessina。Theyshallnotsayofusthatwevisitedthesinsofthefatheronachild。Iwasweak，myfriends，andIwascredulous。I
thoughtIcouldbreakthetraditionofcenturies。Butourinstinctsarestrongerthanourpride，andtheHouseIhavealwaysservedIshallservetothelast。"HeswungtheCrownPrincehighuponhisshoulder，andheldhisotherarmabovehishead。"Youwillhelpmeplacethischilduponhisthrone，"hecommanded，andtheroomrangwithcheers。"Youwillappealtohispeople，"hecried。"Doyounotthinktheywillrisetothisstandard—bearer，willtheynotrallytohiscall？ForheisatruePrince，mycomrades，whocomestothemwithnostainofwrongortreachery，withoutataint，asuntarnishedasthewhitesnowthatliessummerandwinterinthehollowofourhills，`andachildshallleadus，andachildshallsetthemfree。’Totheyacht!"heshouted。"Wewillsailatonce，andwhiletheywaitforustobebetrayedintotheirhandsatthenorth，weshallbelandinginthesouth，andthousandswillbehurryingtoourstandard。"
Hislastwordswerelostinatumultofcheersandcries，andtheyoungmenpouredoutupontheterrace，runningtowardtheshore，andfillingthesoftnight—airwithshoutsof"LonglivethePrinceRegent!""LongliveourKing!"
AstheroomgrewemptyKalonaycrosseditswiftlyandadvancingtoMissCarsontookherhand。Hisfacewasradiantwithtriumphandcontent。Heregardedhersteadilyforamoment，asthoughhecouldnotfindwordstotellhisfeelings。
"Youhadfaithinme，"hesaid，atlast。"CanIevermakeyouunderstandhowmuchthatmeanstome？Whenallhadturnedagainstmeyoutrustedme，youhadfaithinme，intheKing’sjackal。"
"Silence；youmustneversaythatagain，"thegirlcommanded，gently。"Youhaveshownittobethelieitalwayswas。WeshallcallyoutheDefenderoftheFaithnow；youaretheguardianofaKing。"Shesmiledatthelittleboyinhisarms，andmadeaslightcourtesytothemboth。"Youhaveoutgrownyouroldtitle，"shesaid；"youhaveaproudonenow，youwillbethePrinceRegent。"
Kalonay，withthechildinhisarms，andMissCarsonwerestandingquitealone。GeneralRenauldhadbeenledaway，guardedbyamerrybandofyoungsters；theKingstillcrouchedinhischair，withBarratbowedbehindhim，butpulling，withphilosophiccalm，onacigarette，andFatherPaulandGordonwereincloseconversationwithMrs。Carsonatthefartherendoftheroom。Thesunhadset，andtheapartmentwasinsemi—darkness。KalonaymovedclosertoMissCarsonandlookedboldlyintohereyes，"ThereisaproudertitlethanthatoftheRegent，"hewhispered；"willyouevergiveitme？"
Thegirlstarted，breathingquickly，andturnedherheadaside，makinganefforttofreeherhand，butKalonayhelditcloserinhisown。"Willyougiveitme？"hebegged。
Thenthegirllookedupathimsmiling，butwithsuchconfidenceandloveinhereyesthathereadhisanswer，thoughsheshookherhead，asthoughtobeliethetruthhereyeshadtoldhim。
"Whenyouhavedoneyourwork，"shesaid，"cometomeorsendforme，andIshallcomeandgiveyoumyanswer；andwhetheryoufailorsucceedtheanswerwillbethesame。"
Kalonaystoopedquicklyandkissedherhand，andwhenheraisedhisfacehiseyesweresmilingwithsuchhappinessthatthelittlechildinhisarmsreaditthere，andsmiledtooinsympathy，andpressedhisfacecloseragainsthiscomrade’sshoulder。
Gordonatthismomentmovedacrosstheroomandbowed，makingadeepobeisancetothechild。
"MightIbepermitted，"heasked，"tokisshisRoyalHighness？
Ishouldliketoboastofthefact，later，"heexplained。
TheCrownPrinceturnedhissad，wiseeyesonhiminsilence，andgravelyextendedalittlehand。
"YoumaykisshisHighness’shand，"saidKalonay，smiling。
Gordonlaughedandpressedthefingersinhisown。
"Whenyoutalklikethat，Kalonay，"hesaid，"youmakemefeellikeAliceinthecourt—roomwiththeKingsandQueensaroundher。AdozentimesthisafternoonI’vefeltlikesaying，`Afterall，theyareonlyapackofcards。’"
KalonayshookhisheadandglancedtowardMissCarsonforenlightenment。
"Idon’tunderstand，"hesaid。
"No，youcouldn’tbeexpectedto，"saidGordon；"Youhavenotbeeneducateduptothat。Itisthepointofview。"
Hestuckoutthemiddlefingerofhishand，anddroveitthreetimesdeliberatelyintothesideoftheCrownPrince。Thechildgaspedandstaredopen—mouthedatthefriendlystranger，andthencatchingthelaughinGordon’seyes，laughedwithhim。
"Now，"saidGordon，"IshallsaythatIhavedugtheKingofMessinaintheribs——thatisevenbetterthanhavingkissedhim。GodblessyourRoyalHighness，"hesaid，bowinggravely。
"Youmayfindmedisrespectfulattimes，"headded；"butthen，youmustremember，Iamgoingtoriskavaluablelifeforyou。
Atleastit’sanextremelyvaluableonetome。"
KalonaylookedatGordonforamomentwithseriousconsideration，andthenheldouthishand。"Youalsohadfaithinme，"hesaid。"Ithankyou。Areyouinearnest；doyoureallywishtoserveus？"
"Imeantostaybyyouuntiltheboyiscrowned，"saidtheAmerican，"unlessweseparateonourseveralpathsofglory——wheretheywillleaddepends，Iimagine，onhowwehavelived。"
"Oronhowwedie，"Kalonayadded。"Iamgladtohearyouspeakso。Ifyouwish，IshallattachyoutothepersonoftheCrownPrince。YoushallbeonthestaffwiththerankofColonel。"
Gordonmadealowandsweepingbow。
"Rise，SirArchibaldGordon，"hesaid。"Ithankyou，"headded。"Weshallstrivetoplease。"
MissCarsonshookherheadathim，andsighedinprotest。
"Willyoualwaystakeeverythingasajoke，Archie？"shesaid。
"MydearPatty，"heanswered，"thesituationismuchtooserioustotakeinanyotherway。"
Theymovedtothedoor，andtherethepriestandMrs。Carsonjoinedthem；butonthethresholdKalonaystoppedandlookedforthefirsttimesincehehadaddressedhimattheKing。
Heregardedhimforsomesecondssternlyinsilence，andthenpointed，withhisfreehand，atthecrownofMessina，whichstillrestedonthetableattheKing’selbow。"ColonelGordon，"hesaid，inatoneofassuredauthority，"IgivethecrownofMessinaintoyourkeeping。Youwillconveyit，withallproperregardforitsdignity，safelyonboardtheyacht，andthenbringitatoncetome。"
WhenhehadfinishedspeakingthePrinceturnedand，withoutlookingattheKing，passedonwiththeothersacrosstheterraceanddisappearedinthedirectionoftheshore，wherethelaunchlaywaiting。
Gordoncrossedtheroomandpickedupthecrownfromthetable，liftingitwithbothhands，theKingandBarratwatchinghiminsilenceashedidso。Hehesitated，andhelditforamoment，regardingitwithmuchthesameexpressionofaweandamusementthatamanshowswhenheispermittedtoholdastrangebabyinhisarms。Turning，hesawthesinistereyesoftheKingandofBarratfasteneduponhim，andhesmiledawkwardly，andinsomeembarrassmentturnedthecrownaboutinhishands，sothatthejewelsinitscirclegleameddullyinthedimlightoftheroom。Gordonraisedthecrownandbalanceditonhisfinger—tips，regardingitseverelyandshakinghishead。
"Thereareveryfewoftheseleftintheworldnow，yourMajesty，"hesaid，cheerfully，"andthenumberisgettingsmallereveryyear。Wehavenoneatallinmycountry，andI
shouldthink——seeingtheyaresofew——thatthosewhohavethemwouldtakebettercareofthem，andtrytokeepthemuntarnished，andbrushedup，andclean。"HeturnedhisheadandlookedinquiringlyattheKing，butLouismadenosignthatheheardhim。
"Ihavenodesire，youunderstandme，"continuedGordon，unabashed，"totakeadvantageofamanwhenheisdown，butthetemptationtosay`Itoldyouso’seemsalmostimpossibletoresist。What？"heasked——"Ibegyourpardon，Ithoughtyouspoke。"ButtheKingcontinuedscornfullysilent，andonlyacontemptuoussnortfromBarratexpressedhisfeelings。
Gordonplacedthecrowncarefullyunderhisarm，andthenremoveditquickly，withaguiltylookofdismayatitsformerowner，andletitswingfromhishand；butthisfashionofcarryingitseemedalsolackinginrespect，sohehelditupagainwithbothhandsandglancedattheKinginsomeperplexity。
"Thereoughttobeasofa—cushiontogowiththis，orsomethingtocarryiton，"hesaid，inagrievedtone。"Yousee，Iamnewatthissortofthing。PerhapsyourMajestywouldkindlygivemesomeexpertinformation。Howdoyougenerallycarryit？"
TheKing’seyessnappedopenandshutagain。
"Onmyhead，"hesaid，grimly。
Gordonlaughedingreatrelief。
"Now，doyouknow，Ilikethat，"hecried。"Thatshowsspirit。Iamgladtoseeyoutakeitsocheerfully。Well，I
mustbegoing，sir，"headded，nodding，andmovingtowardthedoor。"Don’tbediscouraged。Assomeonesays，`It’salwaysmorningsomewhere，’andinmycountrythere’sjustasgoodmenoutofofficeasthereareinit。Good—night。"
WhilethesoundofGordon’sfootstepsdiedawayacrossthemarbleterrace，theKingandBarratremainedmotionlessandsilent。Thedarknessintheroomdeepenedandthesilenceseemedtodeepenwithit；andstilltheyremainedimmovable，twoshadowyfiguresinthedesertedapartmentwherethedenunciationsofthosewhohadabandonedthemstillseemedtohangandechointhedarkness。Whatthoughtspassedthroughtheirmindsorforhowlongatimetheymightstillhavesatinbittercontemplationcanonlybeguessed，fortheyweresurprisedbythesharprattleofalock，thetwogreatdoorsoftheadjoiningroomwerethrownwideopen，andabroadandbrilliantlightfloodedtheapartment。Niccolas，theKing’smajordomo，stoodbetweenthedoors，ablacksilhouetteagainsttheglareofmanycandles。
"HisMajestyisserved!"hesaid。
TheKingliftedhisheadsharply，asthoughhefoundsomelurkingmockeryinthewords，orsomefreshaffront；butintheobsequiousbowofhismajordomotherewasnomockery，andthetablebeyondglistenedwithsilver，whileapungentandconvincingodorofrichfoodwaswaftedinsidiouslythroughtheopendoors。
TheKingrosewithagentlesigh，andnoddedtohiscompanion。
"Come，Barrat，"hesaid，takingthebaron’sarminhis。"Therascalshaverobbedusofourthrone，but，thankGod，theyhavehadthegracetoleavememyappetite。"
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