me openly and shouted, 'Where is the
Augustus?' 'Give us Constantine. We will have no woman's rule.'"

"I saw and heard something of these things, Augusta; also that certain
of the soldiers on guard in the city had a mutinous air."

"Aye, but what you did not see and hear was that a plot had been laid
to murder me in the cathedral. I got wind of it in time and if you
were still governor of yonder prison you'd know where the murderers are
to-day. Yet they're but tools; it is their captains whom I want. Well,
torture may make them speak; Stauracius has gone to see to it. Oh! the
strife is fierce and doubtful. I walk blindfold along a precipice. Above
are Fortune's heights, and beneath black ruin. Perhaps you'd be wise
to get you to Constantine, Olaf, and become his man, as many are doing,
since he'd be glad of you. No need to shake your head, for that's not
your way; you are no hound to bite the hand that feeds you, like these
street-bred dogs. Would that I could keep you nearer to me, where hour
by hour you might help me with your counsel and your quiet strength.
But it may not be--as yet. I raise you as high as I dare, but it must be
done step by step, for even now some grow jealous. Take heed to what you
eat, Olaf. See that your guards are Northmen, and beneath your doublet
wear mail, especially at night. Moreover, unless I send for you, do not
come near me too often, and, when we meet, be my humble servant, like
others; aye, learn to crawl and kiss the ground. Above all, keep secret
as the grave.

"Now," she went on after a pause, during which I stood silent, "what is
there more? Oh! with your new offices, you'll retain that of captain
of my guard, for I would be well watched during these next few weeks.
Follow up the matter of the Egyptian; you may find advancement in it.
Perchance one day you will be the general I send against the Moslems--if
I can spare you. On all this matter be secret also, for once rumour
buzzes over it that peach rots. The Egyptian and his swarthy girl come
to the palace to-day, when he will receive my letter. Meet him and see
them well housed, though not too near me; Martina will help you. Now be
gone and leave me to my battles."

So I went, and she watched me to the door with eyes that were full of
tenderness.

Again there is a blank in my memory, or my vision. I suppose that
Magas and his daughter Heliodore arrived at the palace on the day of my
interview with Irene, of which I hav