e destroyed beyond the possibility of immediate repair at a dozen
places. I regret to add that several of the Cossacks were slightly
injured by the explosion."

"And is there any message from Captain Operman with reference to
horses?" Ughtred asked.

"In this direction also," the messenger replied, "your Majesty's
instructions have been carefully carried out. The country has been
absolutely denuded of horses. It will be impossible for the Russians
to obtain more than a dozen at the outside."

"Captain Operman has carried out my instructions faithfully and well,"
Ughtred replied.

The messenger bowed.

"I was further desired to report, your Majesty," he added, "that word
has just arrived that a series of explosions have occurred at
different points along the line on the other side of the frontier.
Captain Operman makes no report to your Majesty concerning these, but
he desires me to say that their effect will be to retard all
communication with Russia for several days at least."

The King smiled.

"I am well served indeed," he said. "What has become of the Cossacks?"

"They are quartered at the station buildings, your Majesty. There is
no stock of provisions whatever in the vicinity, and in case they
should attempt to march to Theos all the farms _en route_ have been
warned to remove their cattle and stores."

"You will present my compliments and thanks to Captain Operman," the
King said, "and you will congratulate him on the success and spirit
with which he has carried out my orders. Further, you will request him
to report himself to me at headquarters at the earliest possible
opportunity."

The messenger bowed and withdrew. Ughtred rose and paced the room
thoughtfully.

"I expected this move of Domiloff's," he said, looking towards Sara.
"You see Theos itself is in a queer state. Every honest man who can
bear arms is at the front. There remain in the city only a horde of
Russian Jews, who I suspect have been drafted in a few at a time, and
are only waiting a signal from Domiloff to begin rioting."

He touched a bell.

"Let me speak to Mr. Ruttens," he ordered. "He was in the ante-room a
few minutes ago."

"What are you going to do?" Sara asked.

"I am going to try and arrest Domiloff," he answered. "I fear that it
is quite useless, but an attempt must be made. There will be some
mischief before long if he is left alone."

Sara rose up and came to his side.

"There are other traitors in the city