nd I was credulous. I thought I could break the tradition of
centuries. But our instincts are stronger than our pride, and the
House I have always served I shall serve to the last." He swung the
Crown Prince high upon his shoulder, and held his other arm above his
head. "You will help me place this child upon his throne," he
commanded, and the room rang with cheers. "You will appeal to his
people," he cried. "Do you not think they will rise to this
standard-bearer, will they not rally to his call? For he is a true
Prince, my comrades, who comes to them with no stain of wrong or
treachery, without a taint, as untarnished as the white snow that lies
summer and winter in the hollow of our hills, `and a child shall lead
us, and a child shall set them free.' To the yacht!" he shouted. "We
will sail at once, and while they wait for us to be betrayed into their
hands at the north, we shall be landing in the south, and thousands
will be hurrying to our standard."

His last words were lost in a tumult of cheers and cries, and the young
men poured out upon the terrace, running toward the shore, and filling
the soft night-air with shouts of "Long live the Prince Regent!" "Long
live our King!"

As the room grew empty Kalonay crossed it swiftly and advancing to Miss
Carson took her hand. His face was radiant with triumph and content.
He regarded her steadily for a moment, as though he could not find
words to tell his feelings.

"You had faith in me," he said, at last. "Can I ever make you
understand how much that means to me? When all had turned against me
you trusted me, you had faith in me, in the King's jackal."

"Silence; you must never say that again," the girl commanded, gently.
"You have shown it to be the lie it always was. We shall call you the
Defender of the Faith now; you are the guardian of a King." She smiled
at the little boy in his arms, and made a slight courtesy to them both.
"You have outgrown your old title," she said; "you have a proud one
now, you will be the Prince Regent."

Kalonay, with the child in his arms, and Miss Carson were standing
quite alone. General Renauld had been led away, guarded by a merry
band of youngsters; the King still crouched in his chair, with Barrat
bowed behind him, but pulling, with philosophic calm, on a cigarette,
and Father Paul and Gordon were in close conversation with Mrs. Carson
at the farther end of the room. The sun had set, and the apartment was
in s