Prince of Dawsbergen, it must be
after careful and judicious thought. There are many things to consider,
gentlemen. For my part, I would be overjoyed to seize the villain and to
serve him as we did his tools, but my hands are tied, you see. I would
suggest that you go at once to the Princess and Count Halfont, tell them
of your suspicions--"

"Not suspicions, my lord,--facts," interrupted Anguish.

"Well, then, facts, and ascertain how they feel about taking up a
proposition that may mean war. May I ask you to come at once to me with
their answer. It is possible that they will call for a consultation
with the ministers, nobles and high officers. Still, I fear they will be
unwilling to risk much on the rather flimsy proof you can give. Gabriel
is powerful and we do not seek a war with him. There is another foe for
whom we are quietly whetting our swords." The significant remark caused
both listeners to prick up their ears. But he disappointed, their
curiosity, and they were left to speculate as to whom the other foe
might be. Did he mean that Graustark was secretly, slyly making ready to
resist, treaty or no treaty?

It required prolonged urging on the part of Anguish to persuade Lorry to
accompany him to the castle, but, when once determined to go before the
Princess with their tale, he was eager, impatient to cross the distance
that lay between the hotel and the forbidden grounds. They walked
rapidly down Castle Avenue and were soon at the gates. The guard knew
them, and they were admitted without a word. As they hurried through the
park they saw many strange men in gray, gaudy uniforms, and it occurred
to Lorry that their visit, no matter how great its importance, was
ill-timed. Prince Lorenz was holding the center of the stage.

Anguish, with his customary impulsiveness, overruled Lorry's objections,
and they proceeded toward the entrance. The guards of the Princess
saluted profoundly, while the minions of Lorenz stared with ill-bred
wonder upon these two tall men from another world. It could be seen that
the castle was astir with excitement, subdued and pregnant with thriving
hopes and fears. The nobility of Graustark was there; the visitors of
Axphain were being entertained.

At the castle doors the two met their first obstacle, but they had
anticipated its presence Two guards halted them peremptorily.

"We must see Her Royal Highness," said Anguish, but the men could not
understand him. They stoically stood