to me. I do not know that I could
be said to have considered; rather his individuality dominated me in
this appeal to something beyond our immediate quarrel, to a more
ultimate good. Perhaps his very assurance, which was almost
contemptuous in its expression, helped to dissuade me. I dropped my arm
and he went. Outside, as I turned back, I saw him stay a moment and
look upon us, that pack of desperate wolves and watch-dogs. Almost I
could think he lifted his lips in a grin over his fancy. Then he
disappeared into the gathering gloom, and, as I say, I returned to the
attack. A few minutes later the mutineers broke and scattered. Their
resistance was at an end, and they fled out into the night, leaving our
party breathless, wounded, but secure and triumphant.

I say secure, but alas, the price of that security had been heavy!
Legrand with two of his men had escaped unhurt, but two were dead and
two seriously wounded. Lane had his face cut open; Barraclough had come
off with a nasty stab in the ribs, and Prince Frederic was not to be
found. We hunted in that scene of carnage, and I discovered him at last
under the body of a dead mutineer. When we had got him forth he was
still unconscious, but breathed heavily, and I found traces of internal
injuries. I administered what was necessary, including a restorative,
and he came to presently.

"Well, sir," said he weakly, "what's the report?"

"By heaven, sir, we've licked them," I cried. "Good news, sir. The dogs
have run."

"They shall be hanged in due course," said he in a loud voice. "My luck
holds, doctor." He waved his hand weakly down the corridor. "Tell the
ladies. Acquaint--her Royal Highness."

It was the first time he had given his sister her proper style, and in
a way this might be taken by those who look for omens as auspicious.
Did his luck indeed hold, as he said?

I took the office on myself. The _Sea Queen_ was galloping like a
racer, and plunged as she ran. Two steps took me to the _boudoir_
door, before which lay the body of one of our enemies. As the ship
rolled it slipped away and began to creep down the corridor. The yacht
reared before she dipped again, and a cascade of spray streamed over
the side and entered by the broken door. I rapped loudly and called
loudly; and in a trice the door opened, and the Princess Alix stood
before me, glimmering like a ghost in the darkness.

"They are gone," I shouted. "We have won."

"Thank God! He has heard us,