wer with his confederate, Berrowag. Reports from Dangloss late in the
afternoon conveyed the intelligence that the prisoner had fallen into
melancholia. Berrowag admitted to the police that he had stood guard at
the door while Gabriel entered the Prince's room and killed him as he
slept. He described the cunning, deliberate effort to turn suspicion to
the American by leaving bloodstains. The other Dawsbergen nobles, with
the exception of two who had gone to the capital of their country with
the news of the catastrophe, remained close to the hotel. One of them
confessed that but little sympathy would be felt at home for Gabriel,
who was hated by his subjects. Already there was talk among them of
Prince Dantan, his younger brother, as his successor to the throne. The
young Prince was a favorite with the people.

Bolaroz was pleased with the outcome of the sensational accusation
and the consequent removal of complications which had in reality been
unpleasant to him.

One feature of the scene in the throne room was not discussed, although
it was uppermost in the minds of all. The positive stand taken by the
Princess and her open avowal of love for the dashing American were never
to be forgotten. The serious wrinkles on the brow of Halfont and the
faraway expression that came frequently to his eyes revealed the nature
of his thoughts. The greatest problem of them all was still to be
solved.

As they left the room he dropped behind and walked out beside Lorry,
rather timidly detaining him until the others were some distance ahead.

"You were closeted with the Princess this morning, Mr. Lorry, and
perhaps you can give me the information I desire. She has called a
meeting of the ministers and leading men of the country for to-morrow
morning. Do you know why she has issued this rather unusual call? She
did not offer any explanation to me."

"I am only at liberty to say, your excellency, that it concerns the
welfare of Graustark," answered the other, after a moment's thought.
They walked on in silence for some distance.

"I am her uncle, sir, but I love her as I would love my own child. My
life has been given to her from the day that her mother, my sister,
died. You will grant me the right to ask you a plain question. Have you
told her that you love her?" The Count's face was drawn and white.

"I have, sir. I loved her before I knew she was a Princess. As her
protector, it was to you that I would have told the story of my