"What on earth are you doing?" asked a soft voice by his side. Looking down he perceived the Princess Gloria. The girl was evidently under the stress of great excitement; her eyes were unnaturally bright and her bosom was heaving tumultuously under her coat of sables. But when her eyes met Trafford's she laughed; it would not have been the Princess Gloria had she not done so. "What on earth are you doing on Doctor Matti's shoulders?" she repeated. "Telling the people to make snow-men for the Dragoons to charge against," he replied. "But that won't stop them," she objected. "Of course it won't," he agreed, "but it keeps these fellows warm and busy. The essence of a revolution is to keep things moving. Inaction is the foe to insurrection." "You talk like a paid agitator," she said, still smiling. "I am. The highest-paid agitator that ever was. Have you forgotten the agreed price?" "It will never be earned," said the Princess in a low voice. "Our plans are ruined. Father Bernhardt has been taken, and without him our organisation crumbles to pieces." "Nil desperandum Tenero duce et auspice Tenero," quoted Trafford softly. "Substitute Trafford for Tenero, and hope is unvanquished." "You are going to lead us?" asked the Princess, with a note of expectant confidence that ministered strangely to Trafford's pride. "Certainly," he replied, "but we want a little more enthusiasm." "But the people are frantic," objected the doctor. "I was referring to the soldiers," explained Trafford drily. "They lack enthusiasm for the popular cause." "They are our enemies," said the Princess bitterly; "they have fired on us several times to-night." "They are Grimlanders," retorted Trafford, "and they only want a slight excuse to forget discipline, and remember their national characteristics." "I think we shall do well to trust the gentleman on my shoulders," advised Doctor Matti. "It was he who set the 'Rothlied' going, and put fresh courage into the hearts of the people. I believe he possesses a most magnetic personality." "So do I," agreed the Princess heartily. "Ten minutes ago all was despondency and depression. From the time the prison doors were shut on Father Bernhardt all energy and enthusiasm seemed to die. No one appeared to know me. I could not make myself heard. I was lost in a mob of my own partisans. Now the whole throng is in motion. Pressure is put on the soldiers at every point. If this gentleman were to lead a charge all might be won." Trafford laughed recklessly. The situation was mending with extraordinary rapidity. There was talk now of charges, instead of returning home, and the touching confidence of the Princess in his generalship put the coping stone on his exhilaration. "Will you do exactly what I tell you?" he asked of the Princess. "Absolutely," was the sweet reply.