e Secret Police. You will come?"

"Yes, I'll come; but they come, too," and I nodded toward the table.

"Better bring only Courtney, sir," he urged.

"No," said I; "several witnesses will be needed. And, besides, I want
them out of satisfaction to myself."

"It may wreck the whole business," he persisted.

"I'll risk it," said I.

Bernheim was wise. He always seemed to know when to quit.

"Very good, sir," he said. "How soon do we start?"

I put my hand on his shoulder.

"You are a perfect treasure, Bernheim," I said. "Come, we will start
at once. Is your horse good for a fast ride back?"

"Entirely, sir."

"Then you can give me the story on the way," I said. "Meanwhile, get
some refreshment."

I went back to the table--and it was amusing how suddenly the
conversation ceased and everyone looked at me. I smiled reassuringly
at Dehra, for there was concern in her eyes.

"Four of you," said I--"you, Princess; and you, Lady Helen; and you,
Courtney; and you, Moore, were present at--and you, Mademoiselle
d'Essolde, have heard of--a certain supper party on the Hanging Garden,
some weeks back, whereat a certain woman proclaimed herself my wife.
That was the first act in a play which has been progressing ever since.
The plot has thickened lately--as witness the duel at the Masque, last
night. And now, unless I greatly err, the last act is set for this
evening. If you care to see it I shall be glad for your
company."--Then I laughed. "A long speech," said I; "but it sounded
well."

"And promises best of all," said Courtney.

Then I ordered the horses; and, while we waited, I gave the letters to
Courtney.

"Read them," I said. "The originals passed through Bernheim's hands
this afternoon--'while en route,' as he puts it."

He read them carefully.

"You contemplate giving them an audience?" he asked.

"Exactly that," said I.

"Is it feasible?"

"Bernheim says it is."

He looked at me thoughtfully, a moment. "It would be a great stroke to
have the King there," he said.

"I'll make a try for him," I answered; "but the time is very short."

It was ten miles to Dornlitz, and we did it in an hour. On the way, I
explained the whole situation to the Princess and read her the letters.
She was amazed--and her indignation was intense. Nor did she hesitate
to express it freely before Bernheim. And I saw his stern face break
into a glad smile. It told him much.

At the Palace we drew rein.