e quick," he added, with a sudden start. "Now is
the time for you to act. Close the gates upon those who come here
to-night. It shall be your answer."

Dartnoff shook his head.

"I cannot do that," he said. "Nicholas of Reist is a colonel in our
army, and he has the right to enter here at any time."

There was the thunder of hoofs in the courtyard. Domiloff bit his lip
and looked nervously around.

"Reist is a traitor," he exclaimed. "It is against the law to harbour
a Tyrnaus."

"We will hear what our friend Nicholas of Reist has to say," Dartnoff
answered, coldly. "You might perhaps find it advisable to retire,
Baron Domiloff."

The door was thrown open. Nicholas and Ughtred entered. General
Dartnoff stepped forward.

"General," Nicholas exclaimed, "and brother officers of the Thetian
Guards. I have the honour to present you to Prince Ughtred of
Tyrnaus."

Ughtred held out his hand frankly. But there was not one of them who
did not bow low, after the manner of one making an obeisance rather
than exchanging greetings.

"Your names are well known to me," Ughtred said. "I believe that by
hereditary right I may call myself a colonel in your regiment and a
brother officer."

Dartnoff bowed.

"Your Highness is pleased to remember what is undoubtedly a fact," he
said. "The brave deeds of Captain Erlito in the Soudan have been a
source of pride to all of us."

Ughtred smiled with pleasure--and Nicholas, with his hand upon his
sword, addressed General Dartnoff in clear tones.

"General Dartnoff," he said, "I take the liberty of addressing you as
Commander-in-Chief of the Thetian army. The Republic of Theos has
ceased by reason of its own misdeeds to exist. I have always, as you
know, refused to recognize its legislation. I claim that its decree
abolishing the ancient monarchy and establishing a republic here was
invalid and worthless. We have been made the laughing-stock of Europe
by the gold-bought merchants and traitors who have presumed to occupy
the high places of Theos. That is all at an end. It rests with us to
restore honour and dignity to our country. There is but one way, but
that a sure one, General Dartnoff and brother officers. We come here
alone and unattended, but had we wished it we could have stormed your
walls with half the population of Theos at our backs. I call upon you
all to take the oath of allegiance to Ughtred of Tyrnaus, King of
Theos, by divine right and the choice of the people."