“He is easily pleased,” said the Englishman, “for I have done nothing to gratify him.” “I thought he would like you; and I felt that your friend would have to suffer, but I could not help him.” “He shall not suffer if I can prevent it.” “Sh--be cautious. Those words, implying an inclination to treason, if spoken to any other officer would place you under immediate arrest. I like you, therefore I want to warn you against such folly. You are wholly in the king's power. Another thing I would specially warn you against----” “And that is?” “Not to allow the king to suspect your admiration for the Princess Bernardino. It would displease the king. She is much taken with you; I saw it in her eyes when she danced for your entertainment.” Thorndyke made no reply, but gazed searchingly into the eyes of the officer. Tradmos laughed. “You are afraid of me.” “No, I am not, I trust you wholly; I know that you are honorable; I never make a mistake along that line.” Tradmos bowed, pleased by the compliment. “I shall aid you all I can with my advice, for I know you will not betray me; but at present I am powerless to give you material aid. Every subject of this realm is bound to the autocratic will of the king. It is impossible for any one to get from under his power.” “Why?” “The only outlet to the upper world is carefully guarded by men who would not be bribed.” “Is there any chance for my friend?” “None that I can see, but I must walk on; there comes one of the king's attendants.” “The king has asked to speak to you,” announced the attendant to Thorndyke. “I will go with you,” was his reply, and he followed the man through the crowded corridors into the throne-room of the king. Thorndyke forced a smile as he saw the king smiling at him as he approached the throne. “What do you think of my palace?” asked the king, after Thorndyke had knelt before him. “It is superb,” answered the Englishman, recalling the advice of Bernardino. “I am dazed by its splendor, its architecture, and its art. I have seen nothing to equal it on earth.” The king rose and stood beside him. His manner was both pleasing and sympathetic. “I am persuaded,” said he, “that you will make a good subject, and have the interest of Alpha always at heart, but I have often been mistaken in the character of men and think it best to give you a timely warning. An attendant will conduct you to a chamber beneath the palace where it will be your privilege to converse with a man who once planned to get up a rebellion among my people.” There had come suddenly a stern harshness into the king's tone that roused the fears of Thorndyke. He was about to reply, but the king held up his hand. “Wait till you have visited the dungeon of Nordeskyne, then I am sure that you will be convinced that strict obedience in thought as well as deed is best for an inhabitant of Alpha.” Speaking thus, he signed to an attendant who came forward and bowed.