thank you all," he said, "for your confidence. Let me add that I
believe the day will come when you will be heartily thankful that you
gave this man the answer he deserved. The importance of our victory
yesterday has, I find, been wilfully minimized in the city, but I can
assure you that with only a very trifling loss we withstood an attack
on the part of the whole Turkish forces. I have, however, better news
than that for you. The greatest nation in the world would seem to have
espoused our cause. Yesterday afternoon the English Ambassador at
Constantinople presented an ultimatum to the Sultan, demanding the
withdrawal of his forces from the frontier of Theos. The Press
throughout Europe have announced the fact this morning."

Baron Doxis rose hurriedly to his feet.

"Your Majesty," he exclaimed, in broken tones, "permit me, on the part
of your Councillors and myself, to express our unbounded confidence
both in your military skill and in your diplomacy. Theos has found a
second Rudolph."

The King smiled faintly.

"We are an instance," he said, "of an ancient nation who has benefited
by the great new power of this generation. My diplomatic appeal to the
English Government would have been of no avail but for the wonderful
espousal of our cause by the whole British Press. That we owe to one
who has been living amongst us, and who has three times within the
last few days narrowly escaped assassination by the friends of Baron
Domiloff. Monsieur Gourdolis, you have your answer."

Gourdolis remained imperturbable. He bowed to Baron Doxis, and moved
towards the door. Then he faced the King.

"Your Majesty," he said, "has a singularly dramatic knack of turning
up in unexpected places and at unexpected times. May that faculty not
desert you during the next few days."

He closed the door and departed. The King rose to his feet.

"Baron Doxis," he said, "I leave the charge of the city in your hands.
I return at once to the front. There is no telegraphic communication
between the headquarters of the Turkish Commander-in-Chief and
Constantinople, and in any case it is well to be prepared. Countess of
Reist, will you favour me for one moment?"

She led him into her own little room, and placed her hands in his.

"We are friends?" he asked.

"If your Majesty can really pardon me," she answered, fervently,
"--for always."

"And Brand?" the King asked.

Her cheeks burned with a sudden rush of colour.

"You may tell him