troopers of the palace guard. For a moment astonishment kept every one silent, then Caerleon recovered himself. “May I ask the meaning of this, General? What brings you to the palace at this hour, in the company of a man who is a traitor and a spy?” “Milord Caerleon,” returned the War Minister, “I am deputed by the National Convention to inform you that Thracia has returned to her true allegiance. The city is in the hands of the patriotic supporters of the exiled King, and you might well expect that no mercy would be shown you. Our gracious monarch, however, abhors bloodshed, even in the case of an adventurer whose usurpation began in fraud, and has been maintained by means of force and treachery, and it has been decided, in accordance with his expressed wish, to spare your life on condition of your abdicating and leaving the country instantly.” “And you are the person to bring me this message?” said Caerleon. “I hope I am to understand that you have been compelled to do so by force?” “Milord,” said General Sertchaieff, “your question touches my honour. I am acting of my own free will as the agent of my rightful sovereign, King Peter II.” “X.!” cried Cyril. “What fools we have been!” But the veins on Caerleon’s forehead were swelling, and there was a dangerous glitter in his eye. “Then you are a perjured traitor,” was his answer to General Sertchaieff. “As for abdicating, I’ll do nothing of the sort, and I’ll leave the country just as soon as you can get me out of it, and not before.” “Come on, you bloomin’ cowards!” yelled Wright, the joy of battle carrying him away. “We ain’t afraid of yer! Eight men don’t dare fight three. Yah!”