ertainly shall," the King answered, "for I have
appointed Reist to the command at Althea."

Brand wheeled his horse round.

"I wish you good fortune--and good-bye," he said.

The King looked at him in amazement.

"Where are you going, Brand?" he asked.

"Home."

"Home! Why?"

"The war is over," Brand answered. "The Turks will occupy Theos
to-morrow."

"You are talking nonsense," Ughtred declared, hotly.

Brand shook his head.

"Your Majesty," he said, "you will admit that a traitor at Althea can
let the Turks into Theos."

The King frowned.

"It is true," he admitted, "but Reist is no traitor."

"If you will come with me to the city," Brand answered, "I will prove
to you that he is!"

CHAPTER XLVII

"Baron Domiloff! It is I, Marie of Reist. Let me in."

She stepped into the darkened room, and closed the door behind her.
Domiloff, who was looking white and scared, turned the key in the lock
and faced her nervously.

"Why have you come here, Countess?" he exclaimed. "Do you not
understand that I am in hiding? It is not a fit place for you--and you
may have been followed."

She held her handkerchief to her face and looked around her in
disgust.

"You are right," she answered. "It is not a fit place for any one. It
is abominable. What are you doing here?"

"The King and this Englishman Brand are in the city together, and they
have scent of how things are going," he answered. "My house in the
avenue was surrounded by soldiers this morning, but I managed to give
them the slip and reach here safely. Have you brought me word from
Nicholas?"

She shook her head.

"No!"

"Then why are you here? This place is of evil repute. Besides, it is
not safe. You may have been followed."

"I believe that I was," she answered. "It is not of any consequence.
There is not any one in Theos who would harm a Reist."

His face was unnaturally white. She looked at him in wonder. Was the
man a coward?

"But it was madness!" he exclaimed, angrily. "There are spies
everywhere. Your brother and I were overheard talking together at this
very place. I may be arrested at any moment."

She glanced at him contemptuously.

"I suppose that when one conspires," she said, "there is always
danger. Baron Domiloff, I have followed you here because since noon
yesterday there have been two attempts upon the life of the
Englishman, Walter Brand."

"Both bungled," he remarked. "One is ill served, so far from home."