“Kneel down here,” whispered Madame O’Malachy, “where your father cannot see you if he wakes. Nadia, I have been trying to induce him to abandon the plot we had arranged--so much of it, at least, as threatens Carlino’s life--but he will not consent. He has got hold of the idea that the King and Lord Cyril were playing with him all the time we were at Bellaviste, and he says he will not allow himself to be made a fool in the eyes of Europe. He will not consent to relinquish his revenge.” “And you have arranged to murder the King?” gasped Nadia. “Oh, mother!” “What did you say, Barbara?” asked the O’Malachy, sitting up and looking round sharply. “If you want anything, don’t be afraid of asking me for ut. Sure I wasn’t asleep, but I can’t get the noise of the train out of me ears.” “Thanks, O’Malachy, I want nothing,” returned his wife, and he settled himself once more in his chair; but it was some time before the two women ventured to begin their conversation afresh. “If you wish to save the King,” Madame O’Malachy whispered, “listen to me now. The betrothal is to take place the day after to-morrow, and two days later Carlino will return to Bellaviste. On a certain day soon after his return he is to inspect the garrison of Tatarjé--that is, if he escapes your father. There are two routes to the town, and it is at present doubtful which he will choose. Louis is to discover this, and to let your father know. When a letter comes from him, and your father leaves this place on any pretext, you will know what is intended, and it is for you to warn the King, if you are still in the same mind.” “But why not write at once and caution Lord Cyril?” asked Nadia. “Because we have confederates in the post-office, and your letter would be stopped. We are not alone, Nadia. The conspiracy is an extensive one, with ramifications throughout the whole of Thracia, and supporters in Scythia. It will take its course, but I will help you to save your Carlino’s life if I can.” “But must I denounce my father to save him?” asked Nadia, horrified. “Never! You will merely tell the King not to visit Tatarjé on that day, or if he must go, to alter his route. The change of plan will at once become known to Louis, and he will warn your father that the plot has been discovered, and that he must escape. Or if, through any mischance, he should be away, do you telegraph at once to Mr F. X. O’Reilly, at Tatarjé, ‘Go to Pavelsburg immediately, and await further orders there.’ Your father will understand. He is to pass at Tatarjé as an English newspaper correspondent, come to see the inspection, and he will leave at once.” “But is the rest of the plot to take its course?”