them in their belief. Baron Doxis rose slowly to his feet.

"Your Majesty," he said, slowly, "as the oldest member of this
council, as the oldest inhabitant of Theos here present, will you
permit me to say a word respecting the Duke of Reist?"

The King inclined his head.

"I am prepared to hear you, Baron Doxis," he said.

"The Duke of Reist," Doxis continued, "is the sole representative of
the one family in Theos who for centuries have served their country
faithfully as true patriots. The Duke of Reist it was who is solely
responsible for the restoration of the monarchy. It was he who found
your Majesty out and brought you here to reign over us."

Ughtred looked up.

"I am conscious," he said, "of all that Nicholas of Reist has done for
Theos. I know, too, what I personally owe him. I believe him at heart
to be a true and devoted patriot. Yet for all this the quarrel
between us is not of my seeking. I cannot go to him and order him into
the field. Seek him yourselves, if you will. He has spoken words to me
which no one, not even the first noble in Christendom, has a right to
use to his sovereign. I pass that over. I demand no apology. Let him
resume his place in the field and his command, if he will. I would not
place my own dignity before the good of Theos. The Assembly is
dismissed, gentlemen."

The King retired to his own apartments. His servant was in waiting.

"Your Majesty has four hours before the time appointed for the special
train," he announced. "The sleeping chamber is prepared."

Ughtred waved him away.

"I shall not retire," he said. "Leave me alone."

He leaned forward in his easy-chair and buried his face in his hands.
Only a month ago life had seemed such a fair thing. He had been full
of plans and dreams. He had envied no man in Europe. And now he seemed
hemmed about with disaster. He was no longer the hero of the people.
He had lost his best friend--between his counsellors and himself an
ominous gulf was widening every hour. There were whispers of treason
in the city, his isolation would soon become an accomplished fact.
Almost his courage failed him.

The door was softly opened and closed. He looked up wearily, then
sprang to his feet. It was Sara who was coming across the room towards
him with outstretched hands.

"Sara."

He took her into his arms, from which she presently escaped, and
carefully disengaged herself. Already he felt better at the sight of
her.

"How did you com