stice of our cause, and we will believe that these
movements on the part of the Turks are movements of ruthless
aggression. But, bearing in mind our hopeless inferiority in numbers,
I must ask whether any steps have been taken to ascertain the terms on
which peace would be granted to us."

The King's face was set and grave.

"Baron Doxis," he said, "we have not yet approached the
Commander-in-Chief of the Turkish forces on this subject. But I can
tell you well what the answer would be. The surrender of your army,
of our city, the pillaging of our houses, the outraging of our women.
Have you not yet learned how the Turks make war?"

Baron Doxis remained upon his feet. He passed his trembling hand along
his snow-white beard.

"Your Majesty," he said, "these are the days of civilized warfare, and
it is possible that more restraint might be exercised over the Turkish
soldiery now than in the days gone by. I humbly submit that the
demands of the invaders be ascertained and submitted to us."

The King remained silent for a minute. Then he looked up, and though
his lips trembled his voice was firm enough.

"You can send your instructions to General Dartnoff," he said. "I
shall not interfere. At the same time, I feel bound to tell you that I
look upon any such appeal as hopeless. We have no hope, save in God,
in our arms, and from the possible intercession of one or more of the
Powers."

Tavener, a merchant, who was suspected of Jewish descent, rose timidly
to his feet.

"Your Majesty has come to-night from the seat of war," he said. "May
we ask of these rumours concerning the Duke of Reist? It is rumoured
that the Duke has abandoned his command and returned his sword to your
Majesty."

"The rumour is correct," the King answered.

There was an uneasy murmur of voices. Baron Doxis rose.

"Your Majesty, we should esteem some further particulars as to this
action on the part of the Duke of Reist. We have always been
accustomed to consider him one of the born leaders of this country."

"The resignation of the Duke," Ughtred said, "is due to a personal
matter which I am not at liberty to explain to you. No one can regret
it more than I do."

An ominous silence followed. Ughtred was conscious of it, yet there
seemed to be nothing which he could do to dispel it. He knew that the
loyalty of these men was being sorely taxed. In their hearts they
believed him responsible for the war. This severance with Reist
encouraged