into two and
kept a broad space clear in front of the imperial waiting-room.

Dissatisfaction hovered over the crowd; angry glances flashed; rough
words crackled sharply through the air, mingled with curses; a
contemptuous laugh sounded in a corner.

There was a long wait; then a cheer was heard outside: the prince had
arrived in front of the station. The waiting-room became filled with
uniforms, glistening faintly in the morning light; brief sentences were
exchanged in a low voice.

Othomar entered with Herman and the Marquis of Dazzara, the governor of
the capital, the highest military authority, whose rich uniform stood
out against the simpler ones of the others, even against those of the
princes; they were followed by adjutants, Liparian and Gothland
equerries, aides-de-camp. The mayor of the town and the managing
director of the railway stepped towards Othomar and saluted him; the
mayor stumbled through long phrases before the two princes.

"Why wasn't the approach to the platform closed to the public?" asked
General Ducardi of the director, after the adjutant-general had glanced
at the platform through the lace curtains, curious about the humming
outside.

The director shrugged his shoulders:

"That was our first intention; it was done in that way when the emperor
left," he replied. "But a special message was received from the
Imperial, urgently requesting us not to shut off the platform; it was
the Duke of Xara's wish."

"And how about all those soldiers?"

"By command of the governor of the capital. An aide-de-camp came and
told us that a detachment of infantry was coming as a guard-of-honour."

"Was that aide-de-camp also from the Imperial?"

"No, from the governor's palace...."

Ducardi shrugged his shoulders; an angry growl fluttered his great, grey
moustache. He walked straight up to the crown-prince:

"Is your highness aware that there is a detachment of infantry outside?"
he said, interrupting the mayor's long sentences.

The governor heard him and drew nearer.

"A detachment?... No," said Othomar, in astonishment.

"Did your highness not command it, then?" Ducardi continued.

"I? No," Othomar repeated.

The governor bowed low; the general's loud, gruff voice unnerved him.

"I thought," said the governor, urbanely, but mumbling, stammering--and
he tried to be at once humble before the prince and haughty towards the
general--"I thought it would be well to safeguard your highness agains