le can get if they think their privileges
are being threatened. But really that Court was rather too much. They
have tried it before with some success, and it is a clever trick. But
they have had a lesson to-day, and it will not need to be repeated for a
while."

"You arrived just at the right moment," I said, "and I really cannot
express how grateful I am to you for your help."

"Oh," he said, "you were quite safe. It was just that touch of temper
that saved you; but I was hard by all the time, to see that things did
not go too far."

"May I ask," I said, "exactly what they could have done to me, and what
their real power is?"

"They have none at all," he said. "They could not really have done
anything to you, except imprison you. What helps them is not their own
power, which is nothing, but the terror of their victims. If you had not
been frightened when you were first attacked, they could not have
overpowered you. It is all a kind of playacting, which they perform with
remarkable skill. The Court was really an admirable piece of drama--they
have a great gift for representation."

"Do you mean to say," I said, "that they were actually aware that they
had no sort of power to inflict any injury upon me?"

"They could have made it very disagreeable for you," he said, "if they
had frightened you, and kept you frightened. As long as that lasted,
you would have been extremely uncomfortable. But as you saw, the moment
you defied them they were helpless. The part played by Lucius was really
unpardonable. I am afraid he is a great rascal."

Cynthia faintly demurred to this. "Never mind," said the guide
soothingly, "he has only shown you his good side, of course; and I don't
deny that he is a very clever and attractive fellow. But he makes no
progress, and I am really afraid that he will have to be transferred
elsewhere; though there is indeed one hope for him."

"Tell me what that is," said Cynthia faintly.

"I don't think I need do that," said our friend, "you know better than
I; and some day, I think, when you are stronger, you will find the way
to release him."

"Ah, you don't know him as I do," said Cynthia, and relapsed into
silence; but did not withdraw her hand from mine.

"Well," said our guide after a moment's pause, "I think I have done all
I can for the time being, and I am wanted elsewhere."

"But will you not advise me what to do next?" I said. "I do not see my
way clear."

"No," said the guide ra