is senses. The soldiers,
seeing that he had found his relative, turned back to the door, and
Velo noiselessly knelt beside the sleeper. He stared long and
curiously at the serene and open face. How he had returned was a
mystery which maddened him. He was foiled for the present at least;
but securing the coveted papers, he silently withdrew.

"Did you find him?" asked the young officer in charge, as Velo came up
to his desk.

"Yes, thank you," said Velo, "but he could not tell me what I wanted to
know. I wanted tidings of a cousin, the son of Count Zaidos, who died
last night."

"Zaidos?" said the officer. "That's the name of one of our recruits."

"Yes, he is my cousin," said Velo. "But not the one we want. This
fellow in here is a lazy no-account, and the army is the best place for
him, although I am sorry to say so."

"Yes, the army nowadays is a good place for lazy-bones," agreed the
officer. A queer look came over his face. "We are picking up all the
single men we can." He leaned on the desk and spoke as one man to
another. "You see we found that the army had to be doubled in short
order and the only way to do it was to insist on compulsory enlistment.
That's the reason," he continued calmly, "that you are now a private in
the army of Greece."

"Me? Oh, no!" said Velo hastily. "It is impossible. I--I--have other
things to consider. You will have to excuse me, Captain."

"I am Lieutenant," said the officer, "but you will learn the difference
in rank shortly."

"But I can't _do_ it!" said Velo violently, a red flush mounting to his
forehead. "I simply _can't_ do it! Why, my uncle died last night, and
unless we find his son I am the only heir. I have _got_ to stay here.
I am the heir doubtless."

"That's fine!" said the officer, smiling. "In case you are shot, which
is likely, all your property will revert to the crown. Greece is going
to need all she can raise. I hope your uncle is rich."

Velo could not keep from boasting.

"One of the richest men in the country!" he bragged.

"Fine, fine!" said the officer. Then his manner changed. "Now, my
boy, your name and address. This is straight. We need you."

Velo mumbled his name, a deadly fear growing in him. He was a coward
and the thought of bloodshed filled him with a cold, deadly terror.

He regarded the Lieutenant with staring eyes. His teeth chattered.

The young officer smiled. He called two soldiers.

"Take this man