Effenden Pascha was clear on both points. They were simply a party of
surveyors accompanied by a few soldiers. They were set upon without
the slightest warning.

"It is strange," the King remarked, "that I should have heard nothing
of this. It is stranger still, Effenden Pascha, that in my own capital
you should first have received tidings of such gravity."

The yellow-skinned Turk did not flinch. He bore the thrust without the
least sign of disquietude.

"I myself," he announced, "heard only by telegrams from Bekal ten
minutes ago. One of the survivors galloped post-haste thither
immediately after the affair. I have hastened to present the demands
of my master the Sultan."

"You lose no time," Ughtred remarked, quietly.

The Turk shrugged his shoulders.

"The affair is of great importance," he said. "My master will demand
the execution of capital punishment upon all the leaders, and an
indemnity of ten million piastres."

"Your august master," Ughtred remarked, "has lost no time in
formulating his demands. My reply to you is this. Immediately I learn
the details of the affair I will consider your proposal."

The Ambassador, who had remained standing, bowed.

"That is to say," he remarked, softly, "that at present you decline to
offer me my satisfaction or to discuss the matter with me."

"Exactly," Ughtred answered. "If the affair turns out according to
your telegram I shall at once offer to you my profound regrets, and
such reparation as is within my power. I will communicate with you
directly I hear."

The Ambassador bowed once more, and there was a steely glint in his
eyes.

"I fear," he said, "that the delay will not be pleasing to my august
master!"

"It is unavoidable," the King answered. "You agree with me, Brand?"

Brand, who had been sitting in the alcove before a writing-table
hidden by a curtain, looked out and assented gravely.

"Most certainly, your Majesty."

The Turk started. His eyes flashed.

"So!" he exclaimed. "We have been overheard."

"Mr. Brand is an Englishman of distinction," the King said, softly. "I
have appointed him for the present my private secretary. All affairs
of State, therefore, are known to him."

The Turk bowed low. It was no fool, after all, then, with whom he had
to do. He went out thoughtfully. The presence of the Englishman had
impressed him. In the council room he passed the Duke of Reist
hurrying through to the presence of the King.

"Effenden Pasc