y, during the ceremonies attending the unveiling of the Yetive
monument in the Plaza. The merchants might well give their time to
decorating their shops; the soldiers could do all the searching and all
the fighting that was necessary. Strict orders, backed by method, were
issued to the effect that no one was to pass through the gates during
the day, except by special permission from General Braze.

Count Vos Engo was eager to accompany the expedition to Dawsbergen in
search of his wayward lady-love. Tullis, who liked the gay young
nobleman despite the reputation he had managed to live down, was willing
that he should be the one to lead the troops, but Colonel Quinnox flatly
refused to consider it.

"To-morrow's celebration in the city will demand the attendance of every
noble officer in the guard," he said. "I cannot allow you to go, Count
Vos Engo. Your place is here, beside the Prince. Line officers may take
charge of this expedition to the hills; they will be amply able to
manage the chase. I am sorry that it happens so. The Royal Guard, to a
man, must ride with the Prince to-morrow."

Captain Haas, of the dragoons, was put in charge of the relief party,
much to the disgust of Vos Engo; and at two o'clock in the afternoon
they were ready to ride away. The party was armed and equipped for a
bitter chase. Word had been sent to Serros, the capital of Dawsbergen,
asking the assistance of Prince Dantan in the effort to overtake the
abductors. A detachment, it was announced in reply, was to start from
Serros during the afternoon, bound for the eastern passes.

Baron Dangloss rode to the southern gate with the white-faced, suffering
Tullis. "We will undoubtedly receive a communication from the rascals
this afternoon or to-morrow," he said gloomily. "They will not be slow
to make a formal demand for ransom, knowing that you and your sister are
possessed of unlimited wealth. When this communication arrives it may
give us a clue to their whereabouts; certainly as to their methods. If
it should be necessary, Tullis, to apprise you of the nature of this
demand, I, myself, will ride post haste to St. Michael's Pass, which you
are bound to reach to-morrow after your circuit of the upper gaps. It is
possible, you see, that an open attack on these fellows may result in
her--er--well, to be frank--her murder. Damn them, they'd do it, you
know. My place to-morrow is here in the city. There may be disturbances.
Nothing serious, of c