r, came the fierce determination of the
men of the Blue Mountains:

"To Ilsin! To Ilsin!" and a stampede in the direction of the south
began. For, Illustrious Lady, you, perhaps, who have been for so
short a time at Vissarion, may not know that at the extreme southern
point of the Land of the Blue Mountains lies the little port of
Ilsin, which long ago we wrested from the Turk.

The stampede was checked by the command, "Halt!" spoken in a
thunderous voice by the Gospodar. Instinctively all stopped. The
Gospodar Rupert spoke again:

"Had we not better know a little more before we start on our journey?
I shall get by semaphore what details are known. Do you all proceed
in silence and as swiftly as possible. The Vladika and I will wait
here till we have received the news and have sent some instructions,
when we shall follow, and, if we can, overtake you. One thing: be
absolutely silent on what has been. Be secret of every detail--even
as to the rescue of the Voivodin--except what I send."

Without a word--thus showing immeasurable trust--the whole body--not
a very large one, it is true--moved on, and the Gospodar began
signalling. As I was myself expert in the code, I did not require
any explanation, but followed question and answer on either side.
The first words the Gospodar Rupert signalled were:

"Silence, absolute and profound, as to everything which has been."
Then he asked for details of the capture of the Voivode. The answer
ran:

"He was followed from Flushing, and his enemies advised by the spies
all along the route. At Ragusa quite a number of
strangers--travellers seemingly--went on board the packet. When he
got out, the strangers debarked too, and evidently followed him,
though, as yet, we have no details. He disappeared at Ilsin from the
Hotel Reo, whither he had gone. All possible steps are being taken
to trace his movements, and strictest silence and secrecy are
observed."

His answer was:

"Good! Keep silent and secret. Am hurrying back. Signal request to
Archbishop and all members of National Council to come to Gadaar with
all speed. There the yacht will meet him. Tell Rooke take yacht all
speed to Gadaar; there meet Archbishop and Council--give him list of
names--and return full speed. Have ready plenty arms, six flying
a