the camp," General Dartnoff said,
saluting. "We were looking for the Duke of Reist."

The King passed into the tent, and motioned the General and the other
officers to follow them. Then he turned and faced them.

"General Dartnoff," he said, "I regret to inform you that the Duke of
Reist has resigned his command."

Blank astonishment was written into their faces. The thing was
incredible.

"I beg your Majesty's pardon," General Dartnoff said, with some
hesitation, "but do we indeed hear you rightly? The Duke of Reist has
resigned his command--in time of war--at such a time as this? Nicholas
of Reist!"

"It is unfortunately true," the King repeated.

"He is stricken with illness suddenly?" Dartnoff asked.

The King shook his head.

"I regret to say that the resignation of the Duke of Reist is due to
a personal matter between myself and him, in which he considers
himself aggrieved."

There was a moment's silence. Quick glances were exchanged amongst the
officers. Dartnoff was sorely puzzled.

"It was Nicholas of Reist who brought you here," he said, slowly. "It
was his word and advice--which----"

"Which made me King," Ughtred continued. "That is so. General Dartnoff
and you, gentlemen, do not think that I treat this matter lightly. It
has been a great blow to me--a great shock. But, listen. The Duke of
Reist has no cause of offence against me whatever. He has been
deceived and misled, and I have a fancy that Domiloff, who they say is
still lurking about Theos, is concerned in it."

The General's face grew graver than ever.

"Nicholas of Reist," he said, "would never stoop to secret dealings
with such men as Domiloff."

"I hope and believe not myself," the King answered promptly. "But such
men as Domiloff work in the dark indirectly, and some one has poisoned
the mind of Nicholas of Reist against me. But listen. I repeat that
the matter is a personal one. For the moment it can well be left where
it is. I will promise you this. After the war if Theos still exists
and I am alive I will meet the Duke of Reist before you, General
Dartnoff, and any three of our countrymen whom you may select, and you
shall judge between us. If you find that I am in the wrong my
abdication shall be at your service. If you decide in my favour the
Duke of Reist's apology and his hand will be sufficient for me. But,
remember, that to-day we stand before the destinies of Theos. For
God's sake do not let your loyalty or your fait