ourse, but I am uneasy. There are many strangers in
the city and more are coming for the holiday. The presence of the Prince
at the unveiling of the statue of his mother--God bless her soul!--is a
tremendous magnet. I would that you could be here to-morrow, John
Tullis; at Prince Robin's side, so to speak."

"Poor little chap! He was terribly cut up when I told him I was going.
He wanted to come. Had his little sword out, and all that. Said the
celebration could be postponed or go hang, either one. Look after him
closely to-morrow, Dangloss. I'd shoot myself if anything were to happen
to him. Marlanx is in the air; I feel him, I give you my word, I do!
I've been depressed for days. As sure as there's a sun up yonder, that
old scoundrel is planning something desperate. Don't forget that we've
already learned a few things regarding his designs." He waited a moment
before uttering his gravest fear. "Don't give him a chance to strike at
the Prince."

"He wouldn't dare to do that!"

"He'd dare anything, from what I've heard of him."

"You hate him because--"

"Go on! Yes, I hate him because he has made _her_ unhappy. Hello, who's
this?"

A man who had ridden up to the gates, his horse covered with foam, was
demanding admission. The warders halted him unceremoniously as Dangloss
rode forward. They found that he was one of the foremen in the employ of
the railway construction company. He brought the disquieting news that
another strike had been declared, that the men were ugly and determined
to tear up the track already laid unless their demands were considered,
and, furthermore, that there had been severe fighting between the two
factions engaged on the work. He urgently implored Dangloss to send
troops out to hold the rioters in check. Many of the men were demanding
their pay so that they might give up their jobs and return to their own
lands.

"What is your name?" demanded the harassed minister of police.

"Polson," replied the foreman. He lied, for he was no other than John
Cromer, the unsavoury husband of Anna Cromer, of the Committee of Ten.

"Come with me," said Dangloss. "We will go to General Braze. Good-bye
and good luck, Tullis."

The little baron rode back into the city, accompanied by the shifty-eyed
Cromer, while John Tullis sped off to the south, riding swiftly by the
side of the stern-faced Captain Haas, an eager company of dragoons
behind, a mountain guide in front.

At that very moment, Loraine