nding beside the automobile, talking
to the chauffeur. Already the intense blackness of the night was
lifting. Zaidos felt a chill of apprehension.

"You will have to hurry," said his cousin. "I will come down later and
look you up. Hope you get back." He stepped back, and the car shot
forward, but only for a short distance. With a queer grinding noise
the engine stopped. The driver leaped out and examined it with a
flashlight. He uttered an exclamation of dismay.

"Someone has put sand in the engine!" he exclaimed. "Yet I have been
in it all night long!"

"You _must_ have left it," said Zaidos. "Or did you go to sleep?"

"Yes, yes!" stammered the driver excitedly. "I was called away just
now, when Velo Kupenol sent me to my master to tell him that I was to
take you back to barracks. Ah, what shall we do?"

"How far is it?" demanded Zaidos. The night was lifting. He shivered.

"A mile straight down that avenue, Excellency, until you reach the
great fountain in the public square. Then a half block to the left.
You cannot miss it, but you cannot make it before dawn."

"Good-bye!" called Zaidos. He started down the wide avenue with the
gentle, easy stride that had made him the best long-distance runner in
school. His wind was perfect and he covered ground like a deer; but
clearer and clearer as he raced he could see the grey forms of
surrounding objects take shape. He reached the fountain in the public
square; he made the turn to the left and slowed to a walk. The sentry,
walking slowly, reached the opposite corner, and before Zaidos could
reach the open door he turned. It was too late to turn back. Zaidos
squared his shoulders and approached. The sentry eyed him sharply and
was about to speak but Zaidos said, "Good-morning," with civil ease.
The man returned the salutation. Then, "What are you doing here?" he
questioned.

"With a letter," said Zaidos, tapping his pocket.

"Where from?" demanded the sentry.

"Over there," said Zaidos, nodding his head in the direction of the
avenue. It was a bold shot, but it carried.

"Oh!" said the sentry. "The other barracks, eh? Well, will your
errand wait, or must I wake them up within?"

"There is no hurry at all," said Zaidos, easily. "I must see the
commanding officer by seven o'clock, that's all."

"Very well," said the man. "I'll take you in then. I'm tired enough
myself tramping up and down here all night. That place is full of
recru