tory declared itself for the Child of Kings, the bulk
of her subjects would return to their allegiance. So we settled on it in
preference to surrender, which we knew meant death to ourselves, and for
Maqueda a choice between that last grim solution of her troubles and a
forced marriage.

But there were others to be convinced, namely, the Mountaineers. Japhet,
who had been present at the council, was sent to summon all of them
except those actually on guard, and when they were assembled in the
large inner court Maqueda went out and addressed them.

I do not remember the exact words of her speech, and I made no note of
them, but it was extremely beautiful and touching. She pointed out her
plight, and that we could halt no longer between two opinions, who must
either fight or yield. For herself she said she did not care, since,
although she was young and their ruler, she set no store upon her life,
and would give it up gladly rather than be driven into a marriage
which she considered shameful, and forced to pass beneath the yoke of
traitors.

But for us foreigners she did care. We had come to her country at her
invitation, we had served her nobly, one of us had given his life to
protect her person, and now, in violation of her safeguard and that of
the Council, we were threatened with a dreadful death. Were they, her
subjects, so lacking in honour and hospitality that they would suffer
such a thing with no blow struck to save us?

Now the majority of them shouted "No," but some were silent, and one old
captain advanced, saluted, and spoke.

"Child of Kings," he said, "let us search out the truth of this matter.
Is it not because of your love of the foreign soldier, Orme, that all
this trouble has arisen? Is not that love unlawful according to our law,
and are you not solemnly affianced to the Prince Joshua?"

Maqueda considered awhile before she replied, and said slowly:

"Friend, my heart is my own, therefore upon this point answer your
question for yourself. As regards my uncle Joshua, if there existed any
abiding contract between us it was broken when a few nights ago he sent
his servants armed to attack and drag me off I know not whither. Would
you have me marry a traitor and a coward? I have spoken."

"No," again shouted the majority of the soldiers.

Then in the silence that followed the old captain replied, with a
canniness that was almost Scotch:

"On the point raised by you, O Child of Kings, I give no