d with his feet
tied and gurgling. I'll never forget his eyes."

"Jokai of Vienna!" said the Black Palmer, whistling. "By Jove, they've
trapped him nicely."

For an uncomfortable instant, the silence continued, then came the
saving stir of laughter and chatting.

The Bedouin with an unrelenting air of dignity and command, removed his
mask and bowed low; to Diane in whose startled eyes below the Seminole
turban flashed sympathy and acute regret.

"Miss Westfall," said he gravely, "permit me to present to you, Prince
Ronador of Houdania."

White and stern, his fine eyes flashing imperially, Ronador bowed.

"Rest assured, Miss Westfall," he said, "that I know you have not
betrayed my confidence. Baron Tregar is an ardent patriot who by
virtue of his office must needs object to democratic masquerading."

The Baron stroked his beard.

"For inspiring the musical ceremony due your rank, Prince," he said
dryly, "I crave indulgence."

Smiling, the ancient Greek at the Baron's elbow unmasked, to show the
cheerful face of Mr. Poynter.

"Prince," said Mr. Poynter, "I sincerely trust I have made no error in
transcribing the Regent's Hymn for our excellent musicians. Having
heard it so many times in your presence in Houdania, I could not well
forget. At your service," with a glance at his Grecian attire,
"Herodotus, father of nomads!"

But Ann Sherrill in the gorgeous raiment of a Semiramis was already at
hand, sparkling italics upon her royal guest, and Philip moved aside.

"I am _overwhelmed_!" whispered Ann a little later. "I am _indeed_! I
was not in the _least_ aware that our mysterious incognito was a
prince, were you, Diane?"

"Yes," said Diane. Her color was very high and she deliberately
avoided the imploring eyes of Mr. Poynter.

"What in the _world_ is it all about?" begged Ann helplessly. "And
_who_ was the grayish monk who flitted about so mysteriously telling us
that the minstrel was a _prince_! It spread like wildfire. As for
you, Philip Poynter, it's exactly like you! To depart night before
last and suddenly reappear is _quite_ of a piece with your mysterious
habit of fading periodically out of civilization. Baron Tregar, how
_exceedingly_ delightful of you to come this way and surprise me when I
fancied you were so keen about those horrid tarpon that you wouldn't
leave them for all I _wrote_ and _wrote_."

There was a sprightly nervousness in Ann's manner. She was
uncomfortably aware