free agent in such a matter."

Ughtred smiled.

"My kingdom is a tiny one," he answered, "and I do not think after a
while that there will be any difficulty at all."

Mr. Van Decht rose from his chair and shook hands solemnly with the
young man.

"I wasn't reckoning upon having a King for a son-in-law," he said,
"but I know a man when I see him, and if it works out to be possible
you can take my consent for granted. Sara is the daughter of plain
people with no family to boast of, but I tell you this, sir, I am a
man with few wants, and I will give Sara the largest dowry that has
ever been given by prince or commoner. I reckon I'm worth five million
pounds, and I'll settle four and a half upon her. Theos wants money,
and that may take things a bit smoother in case of trouble."

"You are magnificently generous, sir!" Ughtred answered. "I am afraid
that nowadays a bride with such a dowry would rank above princesses."

The cathedral clock chimed again. Ughtred tore himself away. Reist met
him at the door, his eyes blazing with excitement.

"Effenden Pascha has left the city!" he exclaimed. "The Turks are
streaming over the frontier--Bushnieff has wired for reinforcements."

"The supply trains are waiting?" Ughtred asked, quickly.

"With steam up!"

"Your carriage quickly. To the barracks!" Ughtred exclaimed.

CHAPTER XXX

All night long the war-beacons of Theos reddened the sky and the
thunder of artillery woke strange echoes amongst the mountains. There
were three passes only through which the Turks could force their way
into the fertile plain which stretched from Theos southwards, and each
one, to their surprise, was found well guarded and fortified. A
simultaneous advance was repulsed with heavy loss. At Solika only, on
the far east, where the veteran General Kolashin was in command, the
first position was carried, but this temporary success was
counterbalanced by the immense losses inflicted on the advancing
columns from the second and more secure line of fortifications. Across
the plain a light railway from Theos all night long brought
reinforcements and stores to the different positions. Ughtred himself,
by means of an engine and fast horses, visited before daybreak the
three points of attack. He was present and himself directed the
successful resistance at Solika. He returned to Theos at daybreak
hopeful, and even with a certain sense of relief that the worst had
now come to pass.

Still in h