The group came nearer, halted. Allard drew himself stiffly erect and raised his hand in salute as the tallest man came opposite, then obeyed a slight movement of direction and stepped behind him. A grating of locks, a brief exchange of compliments, and for the first time in two years the prisoner stood without the barriers. Free, if only for that instant, free, and in reach of the lapping river. The sailors waited at rigid salute, the visitor stepped into the swaying launch, and as Allard followed the gate closed--behind him. The tiny engine puffed, caught its beat, and the boat darted toward the dim white shape out in the stream. Lights were flashing up here and there in the buildings, shining through the barred windows. To see the uncheckered sky again! At the throb of their motor the yacht gleamed unexpectedly into an outline of myriad-pointed fire. Men ran across the decks, a miniature staircase fell in readiness. "Follow me closely," directed the cool voice, when the launch stopped. The wet, shining deck, the mutely respectful figures waiting to receive them, all blurred into insignificance for Allard. As his foot touched the yacht, pandemonium broke loose in the prison. Out over shouts and gong crashed the deafening roar of the huge whistle, rousing the country-side for miles around. "It means?" questioned the master of the situation. "They know I am missing--and they will think to search the yacht first." "They will not search it without my consent, but I shall grant it. Come." A hand closed on Allard's arm; he was guided swiftly down a tinted and gilded companionway, across several rooms no less brilliant, and finally halted in a jewel box state-room. "The clothes lie ready; get into them as soon as possible and come back to me. Lose no time, and toss the things you wear into that chest," came the directions. "I dare send no one to aid you." "I understand," Allard answered, equally collected. In those Palermo days, it had been Don John who had lent Don Feodor a dinner dress; there would be little difficulty in the substitution now. The other man went out to the salon. Touching a bell on the table, he gave his outer garments to the attendant who appeared. "I shall not dress for dinner," he stated. "Let it be served here, now." "Your Royal Highness is obeyed." "And my companion is a gentleman who takes Dancla's place; let the suite be arranged for him." "Yes, your Royal Highness." His Royal Highness sat down in an arm-chair, his dark eyes more drowsily lustrous than usual as he listened to the din on shore. His old-world beauty of feature was characterized very strongly by the locked tranquillity of expression seen in those who live constantly under the observation of others; he wore a mask of repose not readily lifted.