e Castle. I'll tell you all about it. Hobbs
and I are the only men who have got away from the Castle alive. We left
last night. Our object was to warn you in time to prevent an ambush.
You've got to save the throne for Prince Robin. I'll explain as we go
along. I may as well inform you right now that there's a big force of
men waiting for you in the ravine this side of the Monastery. We saw
them. Thank God, we got to you in time. You can now take 'em by surprise
and--whiff! They'll run like dogs. Back here a couple of miles we came
upon a small gang of real robbers. We had a bit of shooting and--I
regret to say--no one was bagged. I'd advise you to have this force
pushed along as rapidly as possible. I have a message from your sister,
sir."

"Loraine? Where is she, King?"

"Don't tremble like that, old man. She's safe enough--in the Castle.
Oh, it was a fine game Marlanx had in his mind."

While the troopers were making ready for the march, Truxton King and
Hobbs related their story to eager, horrified groups of officers. It may
be well to say that neither said more of his own exploits than was
absolutely necessary to connect the series of incidents. Prince Dantan
marvelled anew at this fresh demonstration of Yankee courage and
ingenuity. King graphically narrated the tale from beginning to end. The
full force of the amazing tragedy was brought home to the pale,
half-dazed listeners. There were groans and curses and bitter cries of
vengeance. John Tullis was crushed; despair was written in his face,
anguish in his eyes.

What was to become of the Prince?

"First of all, Tullis, we must destroy these scoundrels who are lying in
wait for you in the ravine," said Prince Dantan. "After that you can be
in a position to breathe easily while collecting the army of fighters
that Mr. King suggests. Surely, you will be able to raise a large and
determined force. My men are at Prince Robin's disposal. Captain Haas
may command them as his own. I deplore the fact that I may not call upon
the entire Dawsbergen army. Marlanx evidently knows our laws. Our army
cannot go to the aid of a neighbor. We have done so twice in half a
century and our people have been obliged to pay enormous indemnity. But
there are men here. I am here. We will not turn back, Mr. Tullis. My
people will not hold me at fault for taking a hand in this. I shall send
messengers to the Princess; she, of course, must know."

The battalion, augmented by the misg