nd you say Nicolas, the traitor, is dead?" he questioned.

"Yes, your majesty. Nikol here," and Colonel Anderson indicated the
dwarf, "saw to that."

The king turned to Nikol. Then he commanded:

"Come here!"

Trembling, in spite of his denial that he was afraid of a king, Nikol
approached. The king extended a hand, and Nikol bent one knee and put his
lips to the hand.

"I thank you," said King Nicholas.

Nikol, with flushed face, muttered something unintelligible and backed
slowly away.

Then the king thanked each member of the party separately. Even Stubbs
seemed somewhat abashed by the king's manner.

Later Colonel Anderson mentioned the gold they had brought and it was all
deposited--fifteen bags of the precious metal--before the king.

"Again I thank you," said the monarch. "You may make sure that this gold
will be used where it will do the most good."

A few moments later the king signified that the audience was at an end.
As they passed out he spoke a final word:

"If, at any time, there is anything I am able to do for any of you, you
have but to command me."

All bowed low.

"One moment," said the king as they were about to withdraw, "have you
quarters?"

"No, sire," returned Colonel Anderson.

The king spoke to the officer who attended him.

"You will see that these gentlemen are provided with suitable quarters at
once," he commanded. "They are my guests."

The officer saluted and motioned the others to follow him. Outside they
were turned over to a second officer, who escorted them to a tent
somewhat larger than the rest.

"You will make this your quarters," said the officer. "I shall send you
an orderly, and if at any time there is anything you require, you have
but to mention it to him."

He saluted and departed.

Left to themselves at last, Hal, Chester and the others looked about.
The tent was fitted up comfortably, almost luxuriously. There were seven
or eight cots within and the tent had the appearance of having sheltered
men of note.

"Style to this place, if you ask me," said Stubbs, "Makes a fellow want
to turn in and sleep a bit."

"And that is just what we'll do," said Chester. "I'm tired out myself."

"Same here," agreed Hal.

Colonel Anderson and Nikol also announced that they were ready to seek
repose at any time, and after some further talk, all lay down and soon
were fast asleep.

The sun was high in the heavens when Chester opened his eyes. He was up
and dres