ll return to Theos and endeavour to find out what is going
on."

The King held out his hand.

"If you will do this for me," he said, simply, "it will be the service
of a friend. I think that I need friends now very badly."

So Brand turned his horse's head towards Theos, and the King rode down
into the camp alone.

CHAPTER XL

"You!"

Marie of Reist rose with a sudden swift movement from the sofa where
she had been lying.

"I trust that my visit is not as unwelcome as it seems to be
surprising," he remarked, crossing the room towards her. "I am taking
advantage----"

She held up her hand--a quick, impulsive gesture of silence.

"Hush!" she whispered. "Do not say another word. Follow me and tread
lightly."

He followed her into the circular stone wall, hung with ancient
paintings, and where no light ever came save through those wonderful
stained glass windows, the gift of an Emperor to Rudolph of Tyrnaus.
They passed along a passage, up some stairs, and into a sitting-room.
She closed the door softly, and stood for a moment with her hand still
upon the handle, listening. Then, as all seemed quiet below, the fear
passed from her eyes, and she smiled upon him.

"Are you mad to come here?" she asked, softly. "You ought not to show
yourself in the streets. Do you not know that you are the most
unpopular person in Theos?"

"I can assure you that I was not aware of it," he answered. "In any
case, who in this house would be likely to wish me harm?"

"You are quite safe here, I think," she answered, ignoring his
question. "My brother and some friends were in the next room
down-stairs. I was afraid that they might hear your voice."

He sat down on the sofa beside her.

"I am not inclined," he said, "to quarrel with my good fortune. But as
a matter of fact, it is your brother whom I wish to see. There is no
reason why I should not--that I know of."

She shook her head.

"Nevertheless," she said, "be content to stay with me. It will be
better for you. Oh yes, a very great deal better."

Brand moved a little nearer. It was certain that there was much which
he could learn from her.

"It is very pleasant to see you again, Countess!" he remarked.

She shrugged her shoulders.

"Countess?"

The colour flushed under his tanned cheeks. He looked away.

"Marie, then--if you will permit!"

"I do permit," she murmured, "only you must not say it very
often--until I get used to it. Oh, my friend, how gl