rosty stubble of a mustache. He wore no insignia of office.
Indeed, as Maurice gazed from one man to the next he saw that there
were no officers; and it came to him that these were not soldiers of the
king. He was in a trap. He thought quickly. Fitzgerald was in trouble,
perhaps on his account. Where was he?

"I do not see my friend who sprained his ankle," he said coolly.

This declaration was greeted with laughter.

"Evidently I have entered the wrong room," he continued imperturbably.
He stepped toward the door, but a burly individual placed his back to
it.

"Am I a prisoner, or the victim of a practical joke?"

"Either way," said the man with the frosty mustache.

"Why?"

"You have recently formed a dangerous acquaintance, and we desire to aid
you in breaking it."

"Are you aware, gentlemen--no, I don't mean gentlemen--that I am
attached to the American legation in Vienna, and that my person is
inviolable?"

Everybody laughed again--everybody but Maurice.

"Allow me to correct you," put in the elderly man, who evidently was
the leader in the affair. "You are not attached; you are detached.
Gentlemen, permit me, M. Carewe, detache of the American legation in
Vienna, who wishes he had stayed there."

Maurice saw a brace of revolvers on the mantel. The table stood between.

"Well," he said, banteringly, "bring on your banquet; the hour is late."

"That's the way; don't lose your temper, and no harm will come to you."

"What do you wish of me?"

"Merely the pleasure of your company. Lieutenant, bring out the
treasure."

One of the soldiers entered the next room and soon returned pushing
Fitzgerald before him. The Englishman was bound and gagged.

"How will you have the pheasant served?" asked the leader.

"Like a gentleman!" cried Maurice, letting out a little of his anger.
"Take out the gag; he will not cry."

The leader nodded, and Fitzgerald's mouth was relieved. He spat some
blood on the carpet, then looked at his captors, the devil in his eyes.

"Proceed to kill me and have done," he said.

"Kill you? No, no!"

"I advise you to, for if you do not kill me, some day I shall be free
again, and then God help some of you."

Maurice gazed at the candles on the table, and smiled.

"I'm sorry they dragged you into it, Maurice," said Fitzgerald.

"I'm glad they did. What you want is company." There was a glance, swift
as light. It went to the mantel, then passed to the captive. "Well,"
said M