flash the way was
revealed to her. But would she be able to carry out the daring design that
had sprung into her mind? She would try, at any rate. With an unconcern
that she was far from feeling, Grace walked carelessly toward the door of
the lean-to.

The demented man was beside her in a twinkling He clutched Grace by the
arm with a force that made her catch her breath.

"What are you trying to do!" he exclaimed, glaring at her savagely.
"Didn't I tell you that you couldn't go away!"

He held her at arm's length with one hand, and threateningly shook his
finger at her.

"Remember, once and for all, that I am your emperor and must be obeyed.
Disregard my commands and you shall pay the penalty with your life. What
is the life of one like you to me, when I hold the fate of nations in my
hands? Perhaps it would be better to put an end to you now. Women are ever
given over to intriguing and deception. You might betray me to my enemies.
Yet, I believed you loyal in the past. I----"

"Indeed I have always been loyal, my emperor," interrupted Grace eagerly.
"How can you doubt me?"

Her situation was becoming more precarious with every minute. She must
persuade this terrible individual that she was necessary to his plans, if
she wished to get away with her life.

"I have your welfare constantly at heart," she continued. "Have you ever
thought of flying to our beloved France? In the shed behind me is a
strange ship that flies through the air. Its sails are like the wings of
a bird, and it flies with the speed of the wind. It waits to carry us
across the sea. It is called an aeroplane."

"I have heard of such things," said Napoleon. "When I was in exile, a fool
who came to visit me showed me a picture of one. He told me it could fly
like a bird, but he lied. I believe you are lying, too," he added, looking
at her suspiciously.

"Let me prove to you that I am not," Grace answered, trying to appear
calm, though ready to collapse under the terrible strain of the part she
was being forced to play. "Do you see this key? It unlocks the door that
leads to the flying ship. Would you not like to look at it?" she said
coaxingly.

"Very well, but be quick about it I have already wasted too much time with
you. I must be off before my enemies find me."

"You must release my arm, or I cannot unlock the door," Grace said.

"Oh, yes, you can," rejoined Napoleon, not relaxing his grip for an
instant. "Do you think I am going to run