e city-gates. The Vice-Roy himself had come to the balcony
above the portal and stood watching the messengers anxiously, as if he
would speed them beyond their possible. Then he turned to the crowd of
eager, upturned faces, now quieted once more, by an imperative motion
from Stefano.

Mutio di Costanzo, Admiral of Cyprus and Vice-Roy of Nikosia, Lord of
the city and fortress of Costanza, one of a long line of knights, was a
gentleman of honor devoted to the Crown and a loyal friend to the Queen:
he held the confidence of the people and deserved it well.

An inarticulate murmur of devotion stirred the crowd as he stood for a
moment quite silent before them, too overcome by emotion to trust
himself to speech. When he spoke, his voice was calm, far-reaching and
authoritative.

"Citizens of Nikosia," he said, "I bring you black news of perfidy to
our Queen and infant King."

He was interrupted by deafening cries of anger and alarm; but Stefano
commanded silence.

"I know," the Admiral continued, his noble face a shade less stern,
"that every heart and arm in Nikosia is hot for her defense."

And now Stefano let the passion of loyalty have sway. But the Admiral
had more to say.

"The gates of the city will be instantly closed and closely guarded; no
man will be allowed to enter who doth not declare for the Queen--_who is
captive_ in the _Fortress of Famagosta_."

The shock of the news held them dumb while they listened. "The Council
of Nikosia will sit at once to discuss measures for her release; the
forces of Nikosia and of the citadel will immediately report, fully
armed. The traitors are _Rizzo di Marin and others of the Council of the
Realm who have insolently proclaimed Alfonso of Naples as Prince of
Galilee and Heir to the Crown of Cyprus_."

But now their voices came back to them, sputtering, uncontrolled; a
babel of sounds arose, cries of loyalty--of fear--of indignation and
wrath and fervor of affection--of hatred for the Council. Questionings,
denunciations, curses that made one's hair stand on end--

Only for a moment.

Then the voice of the Admiral was heard again, stilling the chaos as by
magic.

"Every man to his post. Let order prevail, for love of our Queen! We
have stern work before us."

And below, among the people, Stefano Caduna boiling with suppressed
anger, which deepened his voice to an ominous calm--as of the lull
before an earthquake--saw that the orders of the Vice-Roy were instantl