that
Queen Daphne has reached Clairdelune in safety, but of that we cannot
have sure knowledge until our messengers return. In the meantime our
prisoners must not be regarded as though they were proved guilty. I
shall order that they be removed to apartments in the North Tower, where
they are to be given honourable treatment and every indulgence save
their liberty. Should it be found that they are innocent, due reparation
shall be made them."

"And what if we hear that our Queen is not at Clairdelune?" asked the
Burgomaster.

"Then they shall receive no mercy," replied the President. "Their heads
shall be struck off that same day, in the great square of the Capital."

"Good!" said the Burgomaster. "I will have the scaffold put up the
moment I return."

"I just want to say this, Gentlemen," said Clarence before he was led
away: "if we were really guilty of trying to get rid of poor little Lady
Daphne, we should be such a set of rotters that we should jolly well
deserve losing our heads for it. But you'll find we're not."

"I can answer for my poor wife as for myself," said King Sidney. "She is
far too much of a lady to dream of doing anything that isn't strictly
correct."

Queen Selina said nothing--she was not feeling well enough just then.

"Not half bad!" remarked Clarence, as he went through the suites of
rooms that were to form their prison. "Pleasant look-out from all the
windows, and the rooms jolly comfortable, considering. We shall do very
well here for a day or two."

"Don't talk in that light way, Clarence," said his mother, "or you'll
drive me mad!"

"Why, there's nothing to be down in the mouth about, Mater. We may have
to stick this longer, of course--depends how long those chaps take
getting back from Clairdelune. But as soon as they do get back we shall
be let out, and I shouldn't wonder if the Country gave us a thundering
good pension. It's no more than it ought to."

"You--you mustn't count on that. You--we must all of us prepare for the
worst, the _very_ worst."

"What skittles, Mater! What can they do to us, unless, of course, Daphne
wasn't sent to Clairdelune. But I saw her in the car myself."

"It--it doesn't follow that--that she got there, Clarence."

"Why on earth shouldn't she?"

"The Baron might--might have missed the way somehow."

"Not he! He may be an old foozle, but the storks know their job,
anyhow."

"We mustn't make too sure--of anything," said his mother, who had t