er and seized Unziar by the throat,
at the same moment when a well-directed kick from Sagan, delivered
cunningly behind the knees, brought the young man to the ground. He
lunged at Sagan as he fell with his sword, then it was knocked from his
hand as his assailants swarmed over him, but not before he had fired his
revolver into Hern's body. The man fell across him, but Unziar again
swinging clear rose on his elbow and sent a second shot into the face
nearest him. Meantime the trooper at the door was making a gallant
fight, but the odds were too great. The struggle was soon over, the
trooper's dead body flung aside, and Unziar, frantic and helpless, was
tied hand and foot and left upon the bloody flooring of the outer
passage while the Count's people forced the door.

This was a matter of some difficulty, but it was presently accomplished.
The besieging party pushed through into the guard-room, which seemed
brilliantly lit in comparison with the gloom outside.

Most of the furniture and the screen had been utilised by Rallywood to
make a barricade in front of the Duke's ante-room. A single trooper with
his musket levelled knelt behind it.

Sagan, who held a handkerchief to his cheek, spoke loudly.

'Do you see who I am? Clear the way!'

At this Rallywood stepped into view from behind the screen.

'The man acts under orders from his Highness, my lord,' he said.

Sagan stared at Rallywood with haughty scorn.

'It is of the utmost importance that I should see his Highness at once.
Inform his Highness that I urgently beg to be granted an interview.'

'With pleasure, my lord,' returned Rallywood formally, 'if you will be
good enough to give me the password, without which it is quite
impossible for anyone to have an audience to-night. Our orders were very
distinct on that point.'

'His Highness could not foresee that I'--the Count dwelt upon the
pronoun imperiously--'should desire one. Stand back, Captain Rallywood!
I must pass and am willing to take the responsibility.'

'It is quite impossible, my lord,' repeated Rallywood without moving.

'You force me to extreme measures,' cried Sagan. 'Remove this man,' he
ordered, 'as quietly as may be. We must not alarm his Highness.'

There was a clatter of arms as Sagan's followers advanced. The foremost
of them ran in upon Rallywood, the swords met, Rallywood's sleeve was
ripped from wrist to elbow, but his sword blade passed through his
opponent's shoulder. The man san