ined in
town. He tells us he has news of the greatest importance to
communicate, which he cannot disclose except to you, and in the
presence of all of those who are to take part in the expedition. We
decided to accompany him here, as he asked us, and to leave it to your
Majesty to say whether or not you wished us to remain." Kalonay smiled
in apology at the King, and the King answered him with a smile.

"The procedure is perhaps unconventional," the King said, "but in
America they move quickly. No doubt our young companion has acted as
he thought was for the best. If he has taken a liberty, the nature of
his news will probably excuse him. Perhaps, Mr. Gordon," he added,
turning to the American, "you had better first tell me what this
discovery is, and I will decide whether it is best to discuss it in
open council."

Gordon did not appear to be the least disturbed by the criticism
Kalonay and the King had passed upon his conduct. He only smiled
pleasantly when the King had finished speaking, and showed no
inclination to accept a private audience.

"What I have to say, your Majesty," he began, "is this. I have learned
that all the secrets of your expedition have been sold to the Republic
of Messina. One of those now present in this room is charged with
having sold them. Shall I go on," he asked, "or do you still think it
advisable for anyone to leave the room?"

He paused and glanced from the King to the double row of conspirators,
who were standing together in a close semicircle facing the King and
himself. The instant he ceased speaking there rose from their ranks an
outburst of consternation, of anger, and of indignant denial. The
King's spirits rose within him at the sound, although he frowned and
made a gesture as though to command silence.

"Mr. Gordon, this is a serious charge you make," he said, smiling
grimly. "One that may cost you a great deal--it might cost you your
life perhaps." He paused significantly, and there was a second
outburst, this time from the younger men, which came so suddenly that
it was as though Louis had played upon certain chords on a keyboard,
and the sounds he wanted had answered to his touch.

"Pardon me, that is not the question," said Gordon. "That I make
charges or run risks in making charges is not important. That your
expedition has failed before it has even started is, however, of great
importance, at least so it sees to me."

There was a movement in the cir