ddress her as her majesty, for such a title is high
treason to their majesties, the king and queen of Atvatabar. As to
your being free to leave the fortress again, I must confer with his
majesty in that matter, as you are my prisoner until the king commands
your release."

Was this a plot to capture me?

I was too anxious to see Lyone to think of my own safety just then,
and requested the governor to lead me at once to her apartments.

"Follow me," said the governor, leading the way into the fortress. We
passed along corridor after corridor until we arrived at a heavy gate
of bronze, which the governor himself unlocked. We thereupon entered a
spacious antechamber, severely furnished with large oaken benches on
the marble floor.

I requested Flathootly and the astronomer to remain in the antechamber
while I passed through another door unlocked for me by the governor.

I found myself alone in a spacious and finely decorated apartment, the
gilded cage of Lyone. There were luxurious couches, and receptacles
for books, and painted tapestries on the walls, and in the centre of
the floor stood an aquarium, the home of strange animals and plants,
from which rose a vase of gold that held a bouquet of the rarest
flowers. The floor was covered with a semi-metallic carpet resembling
linoleum. I sat down to await the coming of Lyone.

Presently the embroidered tapestry concealing the entrance to another
chamber was moved aside, and the pale and breathless figure of Lyone
stood before me. She came toward me, robed in a loose white silk gown.
Her arms were outstretched, and her face wore an air of indescribable
nobility and tenderness. I rushed forward and caught the glorious
figure in my arms. It was fitting that our holiest emotions should at
first find expression in a mutual deluge of kisses and tears.

CHAPTER LI.

THE DEATH OF LYONE.

When the ecstasy of our meeting had somewhat subsided I informed Lyone
of the dreadful crisis in our affairs. I pointed out that to save her
life the king required her army to disband itself, and her leaders to
deliver themselves up as rebels and insurrectionists, to receive
punishment for their so-called offences.

"Now," said I, "notwithstanding the fact that we can defeat the royal
army in pitched battle, yet to save your precious life we are willing
to surrender ourselves to his majesty."

"And what do you think would life be worth to me," said Lyone, her
eyes flashing fire