Itwasmoresolemnthanithadbeenthefirsttime。TheSquadfeltittremendously。BothCadandBenwereconsciousthatthrillsrandowntheirspinesintotheirboots。WhenMarcoandTheRatleftthem，theyfirststoodatsaluteandthenbrokeoutintoaringingcheer。
　　Ontheirwayhome，TheRataskedMarcoaquestion。
　　``DidyouseeMrs。Beedlestandingatthetopofthebasementstepsandlookingafteruswhenwewentoutthismorning？''
　　Mrs。BeedlewasthelandladyofthelodgingsatNo。7PhilibertPlace。Shewasamysteriousanddustyfemale，wholivedinthe``cellarkitchen''partofthehouseandwasseldomseenbyherlodgers。
　　``Yes，''answeredMarco，``Ihaveseenhertwoorthreetimeslately，andIdonotthinkIeversawherbefore。Myfatherhasneverseenher，thoughLazarussayssheusedtowatchhimroundcorners。Whyisshesuddenlysocuriousaboutus？''
　　``I'dliketoknow，''saidTheRat。``I'vebeentryingtoworkitout。Eversincewecameback，she'sbeenpeepingroundthedoorofthekitchenstairs，oroverbalustrades，orthroughthecellar-kitchenwindows。Ibelieveshewantstospeaktoyou，andknowsLazaruswon'tletherifhecatchesheratit。WhenLazarusisabout，shealwaysdartsback。''
　　``Whatdoesshewanttosay？''saidMarco。
　　``I'dliketoknow，''saidTheRatagain。
　　WhentheyreachedNo。7PhilibertPlace，theyfoundout，becausewhenthedooropenedtheysawatthetopofcellar-kitchenstairsattheendofthepassage，themysteriousMrs。Beedle，inherdustyblackdressandwithadustyblackcapon，evidentlyhavingthatminutemountedfromhersubterraneanhiding-place。ShehadcomeupthestepssoquicklythatLazarushadnotyetseenher。
　　``YoungMasterLoristan！''shecalledoutauthoritatively。
　　Lazaruswheeledaboutfiercely。
　　``Silence！''hecommanded。``HowdareyouaddresstheyoungMaster？''
　　Shesnappedherfingersathim，andmarchedforwardfoldingherarmstightly。``Youmindyourownbusiness，''shesaid。``It'syoungMasterLoristanI'mspeakingto，nothisservant。It'stimehewastalkedtoaboutthis。''
　　``Silence，woman！''shoutedLazarus。
　　``Letherspeak，''saidMarco。``Iwanttohear。Whatisityouwishtosay，Madam？Myfatherisnothere。''
　　``That'sjustwhatIwanttofindoutabout，''putinthewoman。
　　``Whenishecomingback？''
　　``Idonotknow，''answeredMarco。
　　``That'sit，''saidMrs。Beedle。``You'reoldenoughtounderstandthattwobigladsandabigfellowlikethatcan'thavefoodandlodgin'sfornothing。Youmaysayyoudon'tlivehigh——andyoudon't——butlodgin'sarelodgin'sandrentisrent。
　　Ifyourfather'scomingbackandyoucantellmewhen，Imayn'tbeobligedtolettheroomsoveryourheads；butIknowtoomuchaboutforeignerstoletbillsrunwhentheyareoutofsight。
　　Yourfather'soutofsight。He，''jerkingherheadtowardsLazarus，``paidmeforlastweek。HowdoIknowhewillpaymeforthisweek！''
　　``Themoneyisready，''roaredLazarus。
　　TheRatlongedtoburstforth。HeknewwhatpeopleinBoneCourtsaidtoawomanlikethat；heknewtheexactwordsandphrases。
　　Buttheywerenotwordsandphrasesanaide-de-campmightdeliverhimselfofinthepresenceofhissuperiorofficer；theywerenotwordsandphrasesanequerryusesatcourt。HedarenotALLOW
　　himselftoburstforth。Hestoodwithflamingeyesandaflamingface，andbithislipstilltheybled。Hewantedtostrikewithhiscrutches。ThesonofStefanLoristan！TheBeareroftheSign！Theresprangupbeforehisfuriouseyesthepictureoftheluridlylightedcavernandthefrenziedcrowdofmenkneelingatthissameboy'sfeet，kissingthem，kissinghishands，hisgarments，theveryearthhestoodupon，worshippinghim，whileabovethealtarthekinglyyoungfacelookedonwiththenimbusoflightlikeahaloaboveit。Ifhedaredspeakhismindnow，hefelthecouldhaveendureditbetter。Butbeinganaide-de-camphecouldnot。
　　``Doyouwantthemoneynow？''askedMarco。``Itisonlythebeginningoftheweekandwedonotoweittoyouuntiltheweekisover。Isitthatyouwanttohaveitnow？''
　　Lazarushadbecomedeadlypale。Helookedhugeinhisfury，andhelookeddangerous。
　　``YoungMaster，''hesaidslowly，inavoiceasdeadlyashispallor，andheactuallyspokelow，``thiswoman——''
　　Mrs。Beedledrewbacktowardsthecellar-kitchensteps。
　　``There'spoliceoutside，''sheshrilled。``YoungMasterLoristan，orderhimtostandback。''
　　``Noonewillhurtyou，''saidMarco。``Ifyouhavethemoneyhere，Lazarus，pleasegiveittome。''
　　Lazarusliterallygroundhisteeth。Buthedrewhimselfupandsalutedwithceremony。Heputhishandinhisbreastpocketandproducedanoldleatherwallet。Therewerebutafewcoinsinit。Hepointedtoagoldone。
　　``Iobeyyou，sir——sinceImust——''hesaid，breathinghard。
　　``Thatonewillpayherfortheweek。''
　　Marcotookoutthesovereignandhelditouttothewoman。
　　``Youhearwhathesays，''hesaid。``Attheendofthisweekifthereisnotenoughtopayforthenext，wewillgo。''
　　Lazaruslookedsolikeahyena，onlyheldbackfromspringingbychainsofsteel，thatthedustyMrs。Beedlewasafraidtotakethemoney。
　　``IfyousaythatIshallnotloseit，I'llwaituntiltheweek'sended，''shesaid。``You'renothingbutalad，butyou'relikeyourfather。You'vegotawaythatabodycantrust。Ifhewashereandsaidhehadn'tthemoneybuthe'dhaveitintime，I'dwaitifitwasforamonth。He'dpayitifhesaidhewould。
　　Buthe'sgone；andtwoboysandafellowlikethatonedon'tseemmuchtodependon。ButI'lltrustYOU。''
　　``Begoodenoughtotakeit，''saidMarco。Andheputthecoininherhandandturnedintothebacksitting-roomasifhedidnotseeher。
　　TheRatandLazarusfollowedhim。
　　``Istheresolittlemoneyleft？''saidMarco。``Wehavealwayshadverylittle。Whenwehadlessthanusual，welivedinpoorerplacesandwerehungryifitwasnecessary。Weknowhowtogohungry。Onedoesnotdieofit。''
　　ThebigeyesunderLazarus'beetlingbrowsfilledwithtears。
　　``No，sir，''hesaid，``onedoesnotdieofhunger。Buttheinsult——theinsult！Thatisnotendurable。''
　　``Shewouldnothavespokenifmyfatherhadbeenhere，''Marcosaid。``Anditistruethatboyslikeushavenomoney。Isthereenoughtopayforanotherweek？''
　　``Yes，sir，''answeredLazarus，swallowinghardasifhehadalumpinhisthroat，``perhapsenoughfortwo——ifweeatbutlittle。If——iftheMasterwouldacceptmoneyfromthosewhowouldgiveit，hewouldalwayhavehadenough。Buthowcouldsuchaoneashe？Howcouldhe？Whenhewentaway，hethought——hethoughtthat——''buttherehestoppedhimselfsuddenly。
　　``Nevermind，''saidMarco。``Nevermind。Wewillgoawaythedaywecanpaynomore。''
　　``Icangooutandsellnewspapers，''saidTheRat'ssharpvoice。
　　``I'vedoneitbefore。Crutcheshelpyoutosellthem。Theplatformwouldsell'emfasterstill。I'llgooutontheplatform。''
　　``Icansellnewspapers，too，''saidMarco。
　　Lazarusutteredanexclamationlikeagroan。
　　``Sir，''hecried，``no，no！AmInotheretogooutandlookforwork？Icancarryloads。Icanrunerrands。''
　　``Wewillallthreebegintoseewhatwecando，''Marcosaid。
　　Then——exactlyashadhappenedonthedayoftheirreturnfromtheirjourney——therearoseintheroadoutsidethesoundofnewsboysshouting。Thistimetheoutcryseemedevenmoreexcitedthanbefore。Theboyswererunningandyellingandthereseemedmoreofthemthanusual。Andaboveallotherwordswasheard``Samavia！Samavia！''Butto-dayTheRatdidnotrushtothedooratthefirstcry。Hestoodstill——forseveralsecondstheyallthreestoodstill——listening。Afterwardseachonerememberedandtoldtheothersthathehadstoodstillbecausesomestrange，strongfeelingheldhimWAITINGasiftohearsomegreatthing。
　　ItwasLazaruswhowentoutoftheroomfirstandTheRatandMarcofollowedhim。
　　Oneoftheupstairslodgershadrundowninhasteandopenedthedoortobuynewspapersandaskquestions。Thenewsboyswerewildwithexcitementanddancedaboutastheyshouted。Thepieceofnewstheywereyellinghadevidentlyapopularquality。
　　Thelodgerboughttwopapersandwashandingoutcopperstoaladwhowastalkingloudandfast。
　　``Here'sago！''hewassaying。``ASecretParty'srisenupandtakenSamavia！'Twixtnightandmornin'theydoneit！ThatthereLostPrincedescendant'asturnedup，an'they'veCROWNED
　　him——'twixtnightandmornin'theydoneit！Clapt'iscrownon'is'ead，so'sthey'dlosenotime。''Andoffhebolted，shouting，``'CendantofLostPrince！'CendantofLostPrincemadeKingofSamavia！''
　　ItwasthenthatLazarus，forgettingevenceremony，boltedalso。
　　Heboltedbacktothesitting-room，rushedin，andthedoorfelltobehindhim。
　　MarcoandTheRatfounditshutwhen，havingsecuredanewspaper，theywentdownthepassage。Atthecloseddoor，Marcostopped。
　　Hedidnotturnthehandle。FromtheinsideoftheroomtherecamethesoundofbigconvulsivesobsandpassionateSamavianwordsofprayerandworshippinggratitude。
　　``Letuswait，''Marcosaid，tremblingalittle。``Hewillnotwantanyonetoseehim。Letuswait。''
　　Hisblackpitsofeyeslookedimmense，andhestoodathistallest，buthewastremblingslightlyfromheadtofoot。TheRathadbeguntoshake，asiffromanague。Hisfacewasscarcelyhumaninitsfierceunboyishemotion。
　　``Marco！Marco！''hiswhisperwasacry。``Thatwaswhathewentfor——BECAUSEHEKNEW！''
　　``Yes，''answeredMarco，``thatwaswhathewentfor。''Andhisvoicewasunsteady，ashisbodywas。
　　Presentlythesobsinsidetheroomchokedthemselvesbacksuddenly。Lazarushadremembered。Theyhadguessedhehadbeenleaningagainstthewallduringhisoutburst。Nowitwasevidentthathestoodupright，probablyshockedattheforgetfulnessofhisfrenzy。
　　SoMarcoturnedthehandleofthedoorandwentintotheroom。
　　Heshutthedoorbehindhim，andtheyallthreestoodtogether。
　　WhentheSamaviangiveswaytohisemotions，heisemotionalindeed。Lazaruslookedasifastormhadsweptoverhim。Hehadchokedbackhissobs，buttearsstillsweptdownhischeeks。
　　``Sir，''hesaidhoarsely，``yourpardon！Itwasasifaconvulsionseizedme。Iforgoteverything——evenmyduty。
　　Pardon，pardon！''Andthereontheworncarpetofthedingybacksitting-roomintheMaryleboneRoad，heactuallywentononekneeandkissedtheboy'shandwithadoration。
　　``Youmustn'taskpardon，''saidMarco。``Youhavewaitedsolong，goodfriend。Youhavegivenyourlifeasmyfatherhas。
　　Youhaveknownallthesufferingaboyhasnotlivedlongenoughtounderstand。Yourbigheart——yourfaithfulheart——''hisvoicebrokeandhestoodandlookedathimwithanappealwhichseemedtoaskhimtorememberhisboyhoodandunderstandtherest。
　　``Don'tkneel，''hesaidnext。``Youmustn'tkneel。''AndLazarus，kissinghishandagain，rosetohisfeet。
　　``Now——weshallHEAR！''saidMarco。``Nowthewaitingwillsoonbeover。''
　　``Yes，sir。Now，weshallreceivecommands！''Lazarusanswered。
　　TheRatheldoutthenewspapers。
　　``Maywereadthemyet？''heasked。
　　``Untilfurtherorders，sir，''saidLazarushurriedlyandapologetically——``untilfurtherorders，itisstillbetterthatIshouldreadthemfirst。''
　　XXX
　　THEGAMEISATANEND
　　SolongasthehistoryofEuropeiswrittenandread，theunparalleledstoryoftheRisingoftheSecretPartyinSamaviawillstandoutasoneofitsmoststartlingandromanticrecords。
　　Everydetailconnectedwiththeastonishingepisode，frombeginningtoend，wasromanticevenwhenitwasmostproductiveofrealisticresults。Whenitisrelated，italwaysbeginswiththestoryofthetallandkinglySamavianyouthwhowalkedoutofthepalaceintheearlymorningsunshinesingingtheherdsmen'ssongofbeautyofolddays。Thencomestheoutbreakoftheruinedandrevoltingpopulace；thenthelegendofthemorningonthemountainside，andtheoldshepherdcomingoutofhiscaveandfindingtheapparentlydeadbodyofthebeautifulyounghunter。Thenthesecretnursinginthecavern；thenthejoltingcartpiledwithsheepskinscrossingthefrontier，andendingitsjourneyatthebarredentranceofthemonasteryandleavingitsmysteriousburdenbehind。Andthenthebitterhateandstruggleofdynasties，andthehandfulofshepherdsandherdsmenmeetingintheircavernandbindingthemselvesandtheirunbornsonsandsons'sonsbyanoathnevertobebroken。Thenthepassingofgenerationsandtheslaughterofpeoplesandthechangingofkings，——andalwaysthatoathremembered，andtheForgersoftheSword，attheirsecretwork，hiddeninforestsandcaves。Thenthestrangestoryoftheuncrownedkingswho，wanderinginotherlands，livedanddiedinsilenceandseclusion，oftenlaboringwiththeirhandsfortheirdailybread，butneverforgettingthattheymustbekings，andready，——eventhoughSamavianevercalled。
　　Perhapsthewholestorywouldfilltoomanyvolumestoadmitofiteverbeingtoldfully。
　　ButhistorymakesthegrowingoftheSecretPartyclear，——thoughitseemsalmosttoceasetobehistory，inspiteofitseffortstobebriefandspeakonlyofdullfacts，whenitisforcedtodealwiththeBearingoftheSignbytwomereboys，who，beingblownasunremarkedasanytwograinsofdustacrossEurope，littheLampwhoseflamesoflareduptothehighheavensthatasiffromtheearthitselftheresprangforthSamaviansbythethousandsreadytofeedit——IarovitchandMaranovitchsweptasideforeverandonlySamaviansremainingtocryaloudinardentpraiseandworshipoftheGodwhohadbroughtbacktothemtheirLostPrince。Thebattle-cryofhisnamehadendedeverybattle。
　　Swordsfellfromhandsbecauseswordswerenotneeded。TheIarovitchfledinterroranddismay；theMaranovitchwerenowheretobefound。Betweennightandmorning，asthenewsboyhadsaid，thestandardofIvorwasraisedandwavedfrompalaceandcitadelalike。Frommountain，forestandplain，fromcity，villageandtown，itsfollowersflockedtoswearallegiance；brokenandwoundedlegionsstaggeredalongtheroadstojoinandkneeltoit；womenandchildrenfollowed，weepingwithjoyandchantingsongsofpraise。ThePowersheldouttheirscepterstothelatelyprostrateandignoredcountry。Train-loadsoffoodandsuppliesofallthingsneededbegantocrossthefrontier；theaidofnationswasbestowed。Samavia，atpeacetotillitsland，toraiseitsflocks，tomineitsores，wouldbeabletopayallback。Samaviainpastcenturieshadbeenrichenoughtomakegreatloans，andhadstoredsuchharvestsaswarringcountrieshadbeengladtocallupon。ThestoryofthecrowningoftheKinghadbeenthewildestofall——themultitudeofecstaticpeople，famished，inrags，andmanyofthemweakwithwounds，kneelingathisfeet，praying，astheironesalvationandsecurity，thathewouldgoattendedbythemtotheirbombardedandbrokencathedral，andatitshighaltarletthecrownbeplaceduponhishead，sothateventhosewhoperhapsmustdieoftheirpastsufferingswouldatleasthavepaidtheirpoorhomagetotheKingIvorwhowouldruletheirchildrenandbringbacktoSamaviaherhonorandherpeace。
　　``Ivor！Ivor！''theychantedlikeaprayer，——``Ivor！Ivor！''intheirhouses，bytheroadside，inthestreets。
　　``ThestoryoftheCoronationintheshatteredCathedral，whoseroofhadbeentorntofragmentsbybombs，''saidanimportantLondonpaper，``readslikealegendoftheMiddleAges。But，uponthewhole，thereisinSamavia'snationalcharacter，somethingofthemediaeval，still。''
　　Lazarus，havingboughtandreadinhistopfloorroomeverynewspaperrecordingthedetailswhichhadreachedLondon，returnedtoreportalmostverbatim，standingerectbeforeMarco，theeyesunderhisshaggybrowssometimesflamingwithexultation，sometimesfilledwitharushoftears。Hecouldnotbemadetositdown。Hiswholebigbodyseemedtohavebecomerigidwithmagnificence。MeetingMrs。Beedleinthepassage，hestrodebyherwithanairsothunderousthatsheturnedandscuttledbacktohercellarkitchen，almostfallingdownthestonestepsinhernervousterror。Insuchamood，hewasnotapersontofacewithoutsomethinglikeawe。
　　Inthemiddleofthenight，TheRatsuddenlyspoketoMarcoasifheknewthathewasawakeandwouldhearhim。
　　``HehasgivenallhislifetoSamavia！''hesaid。``Whenyoutraveledfromcountrytocountry，andlivedinholesandcorners，itwasbecausebydoingithecouldescapespies，andseethepeoplewhomustbemadetounderstand。Nooneelsecouldhavemadethemlisten。Anemperorwouldhavebeguntolistenwhenhehadseenhisfaceandheardhisvoice。Andhecouldbesilent，andwaitfortherighttimetospeak。Hecouldkeepstillwhenothermencouldnot。Hecouldkeephisfacestill——andhishands——andhiseyes。NowallSamaviaknowswhathehasdone，andthathehasbeenthegreatestpatriotintheworld。WebothsawwhatSamavianswerelikethatnightinthecavern。Theywillgomadwithjoywhentheyseehisface！''
　　``Theyhaveseenitnow，''saidMarco，inalowvoicefromhisbed。
　　Thentherewasalongsilence，thoughitwasnotquitesilencebecauseTheRat'sbreathingwassoquickandhard。
　　``He——musthavebeenatthatcoronation！''hesaidatlast。
　　``TheKing——whatwilltheKingdoto——repayhim？''
　　Marcodidnotanswer。Hisbreathingcouldbeheardalso。Hismindwaspicturingthatsamecoronation——theshattered，rooflesscathedral，theruinsoftheancientandmagnificenthighaltar，themultitudeofkneeling，famine-scourgedpeople，thebattle-worn，woundedandbandagedsoldiery！AndtheKing！Andhisfather！WherehadhisfatherstoodwhentheKingwascrowned？Surely，hehadstoodattheKing'srighthand，andthepeoplehadadoredandacclaimedthemequally！
　　``KingIvor！''hemurmuredasifhewereinadream。``KingIvor！''
　　TheRatstarteduponhiselbow。
　　``Youwillseehim，''hecriedout。``He'snotadreamanylonger。TheGameisnotagamenow——anditisended——itiswon！
　　Itwasreal——HEwasreal！Marco，Idon'tbelieveyouhear。''
　　``Yes，Ido，''answeredMarco，``butitisalmostmoreadreamthanwhenitwasone。''
　　``Thegreatestpatriotintheworldislikeakinghimself！''
　　ravedTheRat。``Ifthereisnobiggerhonortogivehim，hewillbemadeaprince——andCommander-in-Chief——andPrimeMinister！Can'tyouhearthoseSamaviansshouting，andsinging，andpraying？You'llseeitall！DoyourememberthemountainclimberwhowasgoingtosavetheshoeshemadefortheBeareroftheSign？Hesaidagreatdaymightcomewhenonecouldshowthemtothepeople。It'scome！He'llshowthem！Iknowhowthey'lltakeit！''Hisvoicesuddenlydropped——asifitdroppedintoapit。``You'llseeitall。ButIshallnot。''
　　ThenMarcoawokefromhisdreamandliftedhishead。``Whynot？''hedemanded。Itsoundedlikeademand。
　　``BecauseIknowbetterthantoexpectit！''TheRatgroaned。
　　``You'vetakenmealongway，butyoucan'ttakemetothepalaceofaking。I'mnotsuchafoolastothinkthat，evenofyourfather——''
　　HebrokeoffbecauseMarcodidmorethanlifthishead。Hesatupright。
　　``YouboretheSignasmuchasIdid，''hesaid。``Weboreittogether。''
　　``WhowouldhavelistenedtoME？''criedTheRat。``YOUwerethesonofStefanLoristan。''
　　``Youwerethefriendofhisson，''answeredMarco。``YouwentatthecommandofStefanLoristan。YouweretheARMYofthesonofStefanLoristan。ThatIhavetoldyou。WhereIgo，youwillgo。Wewillsaynomoreofthis——notoneword。''
　　Andhelaydownagaininthesilenceofaprinceoftheblood。
　　AndTheRatknewthathemeantwhathesaid，andthatStefanLoristanalsowouldmeanit。Andbecausehewasaboy，hebegantowonderwhatMrs。Beedlewoulddowhensheheardwhathadhappened——whathadbeenhappeningallthetimeatall，shabby``foreigner''hadlivedinherdingybacksitting-room，andbeencloselywatchedlestheshouldgoawaywithoutpayinghisrent，asshabbyforeignerssometimesdid。TheRatsawhimselfmanagingtopoisehimselfveryerectonhiscrutcheswhilehetoldherthattheshabbyforeignerwas——well，wasatleastthefriendofaKing，andhadgivenhimhiscrown——andwouldbemadeaprinceandaCommander-in-Chief——andaPrimeMinister——becausetherewasnohigherrankorhonortogivehim。Andhisson——whomshehadinsulted——wasSamavia'sidolbecausehehadbornetheSign。AndalsothatifshewereinSamavia，andMarcochosetodoithecouldbatterherwretchedlodging-housetothegroundandputherinaprison——``andserveherjollywellright！''
　　Thenextdaypassed，andthenext；andthentherecamealetter。
　　ItwasfromLoristan，andMarcoturnedpalewhenLazarushandedittohim。LazarusandTheRatwentoutoftheroomatonce，andlefthimtoreaditalone。Itwasevidentlynotalongletter，becauseitwasnotmanyminutesbeforeMarcocalledthemagainintotheroom。
　　``Inafewdays，messengers——friendsofmyfather's——willcometotakeustoSamavia。YouandIandLazarusaretogo，''hesaidtoTheRat。
　　``Godbethanked！''saidLazarus。``Godbethanked！''
　　Beforethemessengerscame，itwastheendoftheweek。Lazarushadpackedtheirfewbelongings，andonSaturdayMrs。Beedlewastobeseenhoveringatthetopofthecellersteps，whenMarcoandTheRatleftthebacksitting-roomtogoout。
　　``Youneedn'tglareatme！''shesaidtoLazarus，whostoodgloweringatthedoorwhichhehadopenedforthem。``YoungMasterLoristan，Iwanttoknowifyou'veheardwhenyourfatheriscomingback？''
　　``Hewillnotcomeback，''saidMarco。
　　``Hewon't，won'the？Well，howaboutnextweek'srent？''saidMrs。Beedle。``Yourman'sbeenpackingup，Inotice。He'snotgotmuchtocarryaway，butitwon'tpassthroughthatfrontdooruntilI'vegotwhat'sowingme。Peoplethatcanpackeasythinktheycangetawayeasy，andthey'llbearwatching。Theweek'supto-day。''
　　Lazaruswheeledandfacedherwithafuriousgesture。``Getbacktoyourcellar，woman，''hecommanded。``Getbackundergroundandstaythere。Lookatwhatisstoppingbeforeyourmiserablegate。''
　　Acarriagewasstopping——averyperfectcarriageofdarkbrown。
　　Thecoachmanandfootmanworedarkbrownandgoldliveries，andthefootmanhadleapeddownandopenedthedoorwithrespectfulalacrity。``TheyarefriendsoftheMaster'scometopaytheirrespectstohisson，''saidLazarus。``Aretheireyestobeoffendedbythesightofyou？''
　　``Yourmoneyissafe，''saidMarco。``Youhadbetterleaveus。''
　　Mrs。Beedlegaveasharpglanceatthetwogentlemenwhohadenteredthebrokengate。TheywereofanorderwhichdidnotbelongtoPhilibertPlace。Theylookedasifthecarriageandthedarkbrownandgoldliverieswereevery-dayaffairstothem。
　　``Atallevents，they'retwogrownmen，andnottwoboyswithoutapenny，''shesaid。``Ifthey'reyourfather'sfriends，they'lltellmewhethermyrent'ssafeornot。''
　　Thetwovisitorswereuponthethreshold。Theywerebothmenofacertainself-containeddignityoftype；andwhenLazarusopenedwidethedoor，theysteppedintotheshabbyentrancehallasiftheydidnotseeit。Theylookedpastitsdinginess，andpastLazarus，andTheRat，andMrs。Beedle——THROUGHthem，asitwere，——atMarco。
　　Headvancedtowardsthematonce。
　　``Youcomefrommyfather！''hesaid，andgavehishandfirsttotheelderman，thentotheyounger。
　　``Yes，wecomefromyourfather。IamBaronRastka——andthisistheCountVorversk，''saidtheelderman，bowing。
　　``Ifthey'rebaronsandcounts，andfriendsofyourfather's，theyarewell-to-doenoughtoberesponsibleforyou，''saidMrs。
　　Beedle，ratherfiercely，becauseshewassomewhatover-awedandresentedthefact。``It'samatterofnextweek'srent，gentlemen。Iwanttoknowwhereit'scomingfrom。''
　　Theeldermanlookedatherwithaswiftcoldglance。Hedidnotspeaktoher，buttoLazarus。``Whatisshedoinghere？''hedemanded。
　　Marcoansweredhim。``Sheisafraidwecannotpayourrent，''hesaid。``Itisofgreatimportancetoherthatsheshouldbesure。''
　　``Takeheraway，''saidthegentlemantoLazarus。Hedidnotevenglanceather。Hedrewsomethingfromhiscoat-pocketandhandedittotheoldsoldier。``Takeheraway，''herepeated。
　　Andbecauseitseemedasifshewerenotanylongerapersonatall，Mrs。Beedleactuallyshuffleddownthepassagetothecellar-kitchensteps。Lazarusdidnotleaveheruntilhe，too，haddescendedintothecellarkitchen，wherehestoodandtoweredaboveherlikeaninfuriatedgiant。
　　``To-morrowhewillbeonhiswaytoSamavia，miserablewoman！''
　　hesaid。``Beforehegoes，itwouldbewellforyoutoimplorehispardon。''
　　ButMrs。Beedle'spointofviewwasnothis。Shehadrecoveredsomeofherbreath。
　　``Idon'tknowwhereSamaviais，''sheraged，asshestruggledtosetherdusty，blackcapstraight。``I'llwarrantit'soneoftheselittleforeigncountriesyoucanscarcelyseeonthemap——andnotadecentEnglishtowninit！Hecangoassoonashelikes，solongashepayshisrentbeforehedoesit。
　　Samavia，indeed！YoutalkasifhewasBuckinghamPalace！''
　　XXXI
　　``THESONOFSTEFANLORISTAN''
　　Whenapartycomposedoftwoboysattendedbyabigsoldierlyman-servantandaccompaniedbytwodistinguished-looking，elderlymen，ofamarkedforeigntype，appearedontheplatformofCharingCrossStationtheyattractedagooddealofattention。
　　Infact，thegoodlooksandstrong，well-carriedbodyofthehandsomeladwiththethickblackhairwouldhavecausedeyestoturntowardshimevenifhehadnotseemedtoberegardedassospecialachargebythosewhowerewithhim。Butinacountrywherepeopleareaccustomedtoseeingacertainmannerandcertainformsobservedinthecaseofpersons——howeveryoung——whoaresetapartbythefortuneofrankanddistinction，andwherethepopulacealsoratherenjoysthesightofsuchdemeanor，itwasinevitablethatmorethanonequick-sightedlooker-onshouldcommentonthefactthatthiswasnotanordinarygroupofindividuals。
　　``Seethatfine，bigladoverthere！''saidaworkman，whosehead，withapipeinitsmouth，stuckoutofathird-classsmokingcarriagewindow。``He'ssomesortofayoungswell，I'lllayashillin'！Takealookathim，''tohismateinside。
　　Thematetookalook。Thepairwereofthedecent，polytechnic-
　　educatedtype，andwereshrewdatobservation。
　　``Yes，he'ssomesortofyoungswell，''hesummedhimup。``Buthe'snotEnglishbyalongchalk。HemustbeayoungTurk，orRussian，sentovertobeeducated。Hissuitelookslikeit。Allbuttheferret-facedchaponcrutches。Wonderwhatheis！''
　　Agood-naturedlookingguardwaspassing，andthefirstmanhailedhim。
　　``Havewegotanyswellstravelingwithusthismorning？''heasked，jerkinghisheadtowardsthegroup。``Thatlookslikeit。
　　AnyoneleavingWindsororSandringhamtocrossfromDoverto-day？''
　　Themanlookedatthegroupcuriouslyforamomentandthenshookhishead。
　　``Theydolooklikesomethingorother，''heanswered，``butnooneknowsanythingaboutthem。Everybody'ssafeinBuckinghamPalaceandMarlboroughHousethisweek。Nooneeithergoingorcoming。''
　　Noobserver，itistrue，couldhavemistakenLazarusforanordinaryattendantescortinganordinarycharge。Ifsilencehadnotstillbeenstrictlytheorder，hecouldnothaverestrainedhimself。Asitwas，heborehimselflikeagrenadier，andstoodbyMarcoasifacrosshisdeadbodyalonecouldanyoneapproachthelad。
　　``UntilwereachMelzarr，''hehadsaidwithpassiontothetwogentlemen，——``untilIcanstandbeforemyMasterandbeholdhimembracehisson——BEHOLDhim——IimplorethatImaynotlosesightofhimnightorday。Onmyknees，IimplorethatImaytravel，armed，athisside。Iambuthisservant，andhavenorighttooccupyaplaceinthesamecarriage。Butputmeanywhere。I
　　willbedeaf，dumb，blindtoallbuthimself。Onlypermitmetobenearenoughtogivemylifeifitisneeded。LetmesaytomyMaster，`Ineverlefthim。'''
　　``Wewillfindaplaceforyou，''theeldermansaid，``andifyouaresoanxious，youmaysleepacrosshisthresholdwhenwespendthenightatahotel。''
　　``Iwillnotsleep！''saidLazarus。``Iwillwatch。SupposethereshouldbedemonsofMaranovitchlooseandinfuriatedinEurope？Whoknows！''
　　``TheMaranovitchandIarovitchwhohavenotalreadyswornallegiancetoKingIvoraredeadonbattlefields。TheremainderarenowFedorovitchandpraisingGodfortheirKing，''wastheanswerBaronRastkamadehim。
　　ButLazaruskepthisguardunbroken。WhenheoccupiedthenextcompartmenttotheoneinwhichMarcotraveled，hestoodinthecorridorthroughoutthejourney。Whentheydescendedatanypointtochangetrains，hefollowedcloseattheboy'sheels，hisfierceeyesoneverysideatonceandhishandontheweaponhiddeninhisbroadleatherbelt。Whentheystoppedtorestinsomecity，heplantedhimselfinachairbythebedroomdoorofhischarge，andifheslepthewasnotawarethatnaturehadbetrayedhimintodoingso。
　　IfthejourneymadebytheyoungBearersoftheSignhadbeenastrangeone，thiswasstrangebyitsverycontrast。Throughoutthatpilgrimage，twouncared-forwaifsinwornclotheshadtraveledfromoneplacetoanother，sometimesinthird-orfourth-classcontinentalrailroadcarriages，sometimesinjoltingdiligences，sometimesinpeasants'carts，sometimesonfootbysideroadsandmountainpaths，andforestways。Now，twowell-dressedboysinthechargeoftwomenoftheclasswhoseordersareobeyed，journeyedincompartmentsreservedforthem，theirtravelingappurtenancessupplyingeverycomfortthatluxurycouldprovide。
　　TheRathadnotknownthattherewerepeoplewhotraveledinsuchamanner；thatwantscouldbesoperfectlyforeseen；thatrailroadofficials，portersatstations，thestaffofrestaurants，couldbebymagictransformedintoactiveandeagerservants。Toleanagainsttheupholsteredbackofarailwaycarriageandinluxuriouseaselookthroughthewindowatpassingbeauties，andthentofindbooksatyourelbowandexcellentmealsappearingatregularhours，theseunknownperfectionsmadeitnecessaryforhimattimestopullhimselftogetherandgiveallhisenergiestobelievingthathewasquiteawake。Awakehewas，andwithmuchonhismind``toworkout，''——somuch，indeed，thatonthefirstdayofthejourneyhehaddecidedtogiveupthestruggle，andwaituntilfatemadecleartohimsuchthingsashewastobeallowedtounderstandofthemysteryofStefanLoristan。
　　WhatherealizedmostclearlywasthatthefactthatthesonofStefanLoristanwasbeingescortedinprivatestatetothecountryhisfatherhadgivenhislife'sworkto，wasneverforamomentforgotten。TheBaronRastkaandCountVorverskwereofthedignityandcourteousreservewhichmarksmenofdistinction。
　　Marcowasnotamereboytothem，hewasthesonofStefanLoristan；andtheywereSamavians。Theywatchedoverhim，notasLazarusdid，butwithagravityandforethoughtwhichsomehowseemedtoencirclehimwitharampart。Withoutanyairofsubservience，theyconstitutedthemselveshisattendants。Hiscomfort，hispleasure，evenhisentertainment，weretheirprivatecare。TheRatfeltsuretheyintendedthat，ifpossible，heshouldenjoyhisjourney，andthatheshouldnotbefatiguedbyit。TheyconversedwithhimasTheRathadnotknownthatmeneverconversedwithboys，——untilhehadmetLoristan。Itwasplainthattheyknewwhathewouldbemostinterestedin，andthattheywereawarehewasasfamiliarwiththehistoryofSamaviaastheywerethemselves。Whenheshowedadispositiontohearofeventswhichhadoccurred，theywereasprompttofollowhisleadastheywouldhavebeentofollowtheleadofaman。
　　That，TheRatarguedwithhimself，wasbecauseMarcohadlivedsointimatelywithhisfatherthathislifehadbeenmorelikeaman'sthanaboy'sandhadtrainedhiminmaturethinking。Hewasveryquietduringthejourney，andTheRatknewhewasthinkingallthetime。
　　ThenightbeforetheyreachedMelzarr，theysleptatatownsomehoursdistantfromthecapital。Theyarrivedatmidnightandwenttoaquiethotel。
　　``To-morrow，''saidMarco，whenTheRathadlefthimforthenight，``to-morrow，weshallseehim！Godbethanked！''
　　``Godbethanked！''saidTheRat，also。Andeachsalutedtheotherbeforetheyparted。
　　Inthemorning，Lazaruscameintothebedroomwithanairsosolemnthatitseemedasifthegarmentshecarriedinhishandswerepartofsomereligiousceremony。
　　``Iamatyourcommand，sir，''hesaid。``AndIbringyouyouruniform。''
　　Hecarried，infact，arichlydecoratedSamavianuniform，andthefirstthingMarcohadseenwhenheenteredwasthatLazarushimselfwasinuniformalso。HiswastheuniformofanofficeroftheKing'sBodyGuard。
　　``TheMaster，''hesaid，``asksthatyouwearthisonyourentrancetoMelzarr。Ihaveauniform，also，foryouraide-de-camp。''
　　WhenRastkaandVorverskappeared，theywereinuniformsalso。
　　ItwasauniformwhichhadatouchoftheOrientinitspicturesquesplendor。Ashortfur-borderedmantlehungbyajeweledchainfromtheshoulders，andtherewasmuchmagnificentembroideryofcolorandgold。
　　``Sir，wemustdrivequicklytothestation，''BaronRastkasaidtoMarco。``Thesepeopleareexcitableandpatriotic，andHisMajestywishesustoremainincognito，andavoidallchanceofpublicdemonstrationuntilwereachthecapital。''Theypassedratherhurriedlythroughthehoteltothecarriagewhichawaitedthem。TheRatsawthatsomethingunusualwashappeningintheplace。Servantswerescurryingroundcorners，andguestswerecomingoutoftheirroomsandevenhangingoverthebalustrades。
　　AsMarcogotintohiscarriage，hecaughtsightofaboyabouthisownagewhowaspeepingfrombehindabush。Suddenlyhedartedaway，andtheyallsawhimtearingdownthestreettowardsthestationasfastashislegswouldcarryhim。
　　Butthehorseswerefasterthanhewas。Thepartyreachedthestation，andwasescortedquicklytoitsplaceinaspecialsaloon-carriagewhichawaitedit。Asthetrainmadeitswayoutofthestation，Marcosawtheboywhohadrunbeforethemrushontotheplatform，wavinghisarmsandshoutingsomethingwithwilddelight。Thepeoplewhowerestandingaboutturnedtolookathim，andthenextinstanttheyhadalltornofftheircapsandthrownthemupintheairandwereshoutingalso。Butitwasnotpossibletohearwhattheysaid。
　　``Wewereonlyjustintime，''saidVorversk，andBaronRastkanodded。
　　Thetrainwentswiftly，andstoppedonlyoncebeforetheyreachedMelzarr。Thiswasatasmallstation，ontheplatformofwhichstoodpeasantswithbigbasketsofgarlandedflowersandevergreens。Theyputthemonthetrain，andsoonbothMarcoandTheRatsawthatsomethingunusualwastakingplace。Atonetime，amanstandingonthenarrowoutsideplatformofthecarriagewasplainlyseentobesecuringgarlandsandhandingupflagstomenwhoworkedontheroof。
　　``TheyaredoingsomethingwithSamavianflagsandalotofflowersandgreenthings！''criedTheRat，inexcitement。
　　``Sir，theyaredecoratingtheoutsideofthecarriage，''
　　Vorversksaid。``ThevillagersonthelineobtainedpermissionfromHisMajesty。ThesonofStefanLoristancouldnotbeallowedtopasstheirhomeswithouttheirdoinghomage。''
　　``Iunderstand，''saidMarco，hisheartthumpinghardagainsthisuniform。``Itisformyfather'ssake。''
　　Atlast，embowered，garlanded，andhungwithwavingbanners，thetraindrewinatthechiefstationatMelzarr。
　　``Sir，''saidRastka，astheywereentering，``willyoustandupthatthepeoplemayseeyou？Thoseontheoutskirtsofthecrowdwillhavethemerestglimpse，buttheywillneverforget。''
　　Marcostoodup。Theothersgroupedthemselvesbehindhim。Therearosearoarofvoices，whichendedalmostinashriekofjoywhichwasliketheshriekofatempest。ThenthereburstforththeblareofbrazeninstrumentsplayingtheNationalHymnofSamavia，andmadvoicesjoinedinit。
　　IfMarcohadnotbeenastrongboy，andlongtrainedinself-
　　control，whathesawandheardmighthavebeenalmosttoomuchtobeborne。Whenthetrainhadcometoafullstop，andthedoorwasthrownopen，evenRastka'sdignifiedvoicewasunsteadyashesaid，``Sir，leadtheway。Itisforustofollow。''
　　AndMarco，erectinthedoorway，stoodforamoment，lookingoutupontheroaring，acclaiming，weeping，singingandswayingmultitude——andsalutedjustashehadsalutedTheSquad，lookingjustasmuchaboy，justasmuchaman，justasmuchathrillingyounghumanbeing。
　　Then，atthesightofhimstandingso，itseemedasifthecrowdwentmad——astheForgersoftheSwordhadseemedtogomadonthenightinthecavern。Thetumultroseandrose，thecrowdrocked，andleapt，and，initsfrenzyofemotion，threatenedtocrushitselftodeath。Butforthelinesofsoldiers，therewouldhaveseemednochanceforanyonetopassthroughitalive。
　　``IamthesonofStefanLoristan，''Marcosaidtohimself，inordertoholdhimselfsteady。``Iamonmywaytomyfather。''
　　Afterward，hewasmovingthroughthelineofguardingsoldierstotheentrance，wheretwogreatstate-carriagesstood；andthere，outside，waitedevenahugerandmorefrenziedcrowdthanthatleftbehind。Hesalutedthereagain，andagain，andagain，onallsides。ItwaswhattheyhadseentheEmperordoinVienna。
　　HewasnotanEmperor，buthewasthesonofStefanLoristanwhohadbroughtbacktheKing。
　　``Youmustsalute，too，''hesaidtoTheRat，whentheygotintothestatecarriage。``Perhapsmyfatherhastoldthem。Itseemsasiftheyknewyou。''
　　TheRathadbeenplacedbesidehimonthecarriageseat。Hewasinwardlyshudderingwitharaptureofexultationwhichwasalmostanguish。Thepeoplewerelookingathim——shoutingathim——surelyitseemedlikeitwhenhelookedatthefacesnearestinthecrowd。PerhapsLoristan——
　　``Listen！''saidMarcosuddenly，asthecarriagerolledonitsway。``TheyareshoutingtousinSamavian，`TheBearersoftheSign！'
　　Thatiswhattheyaresayingnow。`TheBearersoftheSign。'''
　　TheywerebeingtakentothePalace。ThatBaronRastkaandCountVorverskhadexplainedinthetrain。HisMajestywishedtoreceivethem。StefanLoristanwastherealso。
　　Thecityhadoncebeennobleandmajestic。ItwassomewhatOriental，asitsuniformsandnationalcostumeswere。Thereweredomedandpillaredstructuresofwhitestoneandmarble，thereweregreatarches，andcitygates，andchurches。Butmanyofthemwerehalfinruinsthroughwar，andneglect，anddecay。
　　Theypassedthehalf-unroofedcathedral，standinginthesunshineinitsgreatsquare，stillinallitsdisasteroneofthemostbeautifulstructuresinEurope。Intheexultantcrowdwerestilltobeseenhaggardfaces，menwithbandagedlimbsandheadsorhobblingonsticksandcrutches。Therichlycolorednativecostumesweremostofthemworntorags。Buttheirwearershadthefacesofcreaturespluckedfromdespairtobeliftedtoheaven。
　　``Ivor！Ivor！''theycried；``Ivor！Ivor！''andsobbedwithrapture。
　　ThePalacewasaswonderfulinitswayasthewhitecathedral。
　　Theimmenselywidestepsofmarblewereguardedbysoldiers。Thehugesquareinwhichitstoodwasfilledwithpeoplewhomthesoldiersheldincheck。
　　``Iamhisson，''Marcosaidtohimself，ashedescendedfromthestatecarriageandbegantowalkupthestepswhichseemedsoenormouslywidethattheyappearedalmostlikeastreet。Uphemounted，stepbystep，TheRatfollowinghim。Andasheturnedfromsidetoside，tosalutethosewhomadedeepobeisanceashepassed，hebegantorealizethathehadseentheirfacesbefore。
　　``Thesewhoareguardingthesteps，''hesaid，quicklyunderhisbreathtoTheRat，``aretheForgersoftheSword！''
　　Therewererichuniformseverywherewhenheenteredthepalace，andpeoplewhobowedalmosttothegroundashepassed。Hewasveryyoungtobeconfrontedwithsuchanadoringadulationandroyalceremony；buthehopeditwouldnotlasttoolong，andthatafterhehadknelttotheKingandkissedhishand，hewouldseehisfatherandhearhisvoice。Justtohearhisvoiceagain，andfeelhishandonhisshoulder！
　　Throughthevaultedcorridors，tothewide-openeddoorsofamagnificentroomhewasledatlast。Theendofitseemedalongwayoffasheentered。Thereweremanyrichlydressedpeoplewhostoodinlineashepasseduptowardthecanopieddais。Hefeltthathehadgrownpalewiththestrainofexcitement，andhehadbeguntofeelthathemustbewalkinginadream，asoneachsidepeoplebowedlowandcurtsiedtotheground。
　　HerealizedvaguelythattheKinghimselfwasstanding，awaitinghisapproach。Butasheadvanced，eachstepbearinghimnearertothethrone，thelightandcolorabouthim，thestrangenessandmagnificence，thewildlyjoyousacclamationofthepopulaceoutsidethepalace，madehimfeelratherdazzled，andhedidnotclearlyseeanyonesinglefaceorthing。
　　``HisMajestyawaitsyou，''saidavoicebehindhimwhichseemedtobeBaronRastka's。``Areyoufaint，sir？Youlookpale。''
　　Hedrewhimselftogether，andliftedhiseyes。Foronefullmoment，afterhehadsoliftedthem，hestoodquitestillandstraight，lookingintothedeepbeautyoftheroyalface。Thenhekneltandkissedthehandsheldouttohim——kissedthembothwithapassionofboyloveandworship。
　　TheKinghadtheeyeshehadlongedtosee——theKing'shandswerethosehehadlongedtofeelagainuponhisshoulder——theKingwashisfather！the``StefanLoristan''whohadbeenthelastofthosewhohadwaitedandlaboredforSamaviathroughfivehundredyears，andwhohadlivedanddiedkings，thoughnoneofthemtillnowhadwornacrown！
　　HisfatherwastheKing！
　　Itwasnotthatnight，northenext，norformanynightsthatthetellingofthestorywascompleted。ThepeopleknewthattheirKingandhissonwererarelyseparatedfromeachother；thatthePrince'ssuiteofapartmentswereconnectedbyaprivatepassagewithhisfather's。Thetwowereboundtogetherbyanaffectionofsingularstrengthandmeaning，andtheirlovefortheirpeopleaddedtotheirfeelingforeachother。Inthehistoryofwhattheirpasthadbeen，therewasaromancewhichswelledtheemotionalSamavianheartneartobursting。Bymountainfires，inhuts，underthestars，infieldsandinforests，allthatwasknownoftheirstorywastoldandretoldathousandtimes，withsobsofjoyandprayerbreakinginuponthetale。
　　Butnoneknewitasitwastoldinacertainquietbutstatelyroominthepalace，wherethemanonceknownonlyas``StefanLoristan，''butwhomhistorywouldcallthefirstKingIvorofSamavia，toldhisshareofittotheboywhomSamavianshadastrangeandsuperstitiousworshipfor，becauseheseemedsosurelytheirLostPrincerestoredinbodyandsoul——almostthekinglyladintheancientportrait——someofthemhalfbelievedwhenhestoodinthesunshine，withthehaloabouthishead。
　　Itwasawonderfulandintensestory，thatofthelongwanderingsandtheclosehidingofthedangeroussecret。AmongallthosewhohadknownthatamanwhowasanimpassionedpatriotwaslaboringforSamavia，andusingallthepowerofagreatmindandthedelicateingenuityofagreatgeniustogainfriendsandfavorforhisunhappycountry，therehadbeenbutonewhohadknownthatStefanLoristanhadaclaimtotheSamavianthrone。
　　Hehadmadenoclaim，hehadsought——notacrown——butthefinalfreedomofthenationforwhichhislovehadbeenareligion。
　　``Notthecrown！''hesaidtothetwoyoungBearersoftheSignastheysatathisfeetlikeschoolboys——``notathrone。`TheLifeofmylife——forSamavia。'ThatwaswhatIworkedfor——whatwehaveallworkedfor。IftherehadrisenawisermaninSamavia'stimeofneed，itwouldnothavebeenformetoremindthemoftheirLostPrince。Icouldhavestoodaside。Butnomanarose。Thecrucialmomentcame——andtheonemanwhoknewthesecret，revealedit。Then——Samaviacalled，andIanswered。''
　　Heputhishandonthethick，blackhairofhisboy'shead。
　　``Therewasathingweneverspokeoftogether，''hesaid。``I
　　believedalwaysthatyourmotherdiedofherbitterfearsformeandtheunendingstrainofthem。Shewasveryyoungandloving，andknewthattherewasnodaywhenwepartedthatweweresureofseeingeachotheraliveagain。Whenshedied，shebeggedmetopromisethatyourboyhoodandyouthshouldnotbeburdenedbytheknowledgeshehadfounditsoterribletobear。Ishouldhavekeptthesecretfromyou，evenifshehadnotsoimploredme。Ihadnevermeantthatyoushouldknowthetruthuntilyouwereaman。IfIhaddied，acertaindocumentwouldhavebeensenttoyouwhichwouldhaveleftmytaskinyourhandsandmademyplansclear。YouwouldhaveknownthenthatyoualsowereaPrinceIvor，whomusttakeuphiscountry'sburdenandbereadywhenSamaviacalled。Itriedtohelpyoutotrainyourselfforanytask。Youneverfailedme。''
　　``YourMajesty，''saidTheRat，``Ibegantoworkitout，andthinkitmustbetruethatnightwhenwewerewiththeoldwomanonthetopofthemountain。Itwasthewayshelookedat——atHisHighness。''
　　``Say`Marco，'''threwinPrinceIvor。``It'seasier。Hewasmyarmy，Father。''
　　StefanLoristan'sgraveeyesmelted。
　　``Say`Marco，'''hesaid。``Youwerehisarmy——andmore——whenwebothneededone。ItwasyouwhoinventedtheGame！''
　　``Thanks，YourMajesty，''saidTheRat，reddeningscarlet。``Youdomegreathonor！Buthewouldneverletmewaitonhimwhenweweretraveling。Hesaidwewerenothingbuttwoboys。Isupposethat'swhyit'shardtoremember，atfirst。ButmymindwentonworkinguntilsometimesIwasafraidImightletsomethingoutatthewrongtime。Whenwewentdownintothecavern，andIsawtheForgersoftheSwordgomadoverhim——IKNEWitmustbetrue。
　　ButIdidn'tdaretospeak。Iknewyoumeantustowait；soI
　　waited。''
　　``Youareafaithfulfriend，''saidtheKing，``andyouhavealwaysobeyedorders！''
　　Agreatmoonwassailingintheskythatnight——justsuchamoonashadsailedamongthetornriftsofstormcloudswhenthePrinceatViennahadcomeoutuponthebalconyandtheboyishvoicehadstartledhimfromthedarknessofthegardenbelow。
　　Theclearerlightofthisnight'ssplendordrewthemoutonabalconyalso——abroadbalconyofwhitemarblewhichlookedlikesnow。Thepureradiancefelluponalltheysawspreadbeforethem——thelovelybuthalf-ruinedcity，thegreatpalacesquarewithitsbrokenstatuesandarches，thesplendidghostoftheunroofedcathedralwhoseHighAltarwasbaretothesky。
　　Theystoodandlookedatit。Therewasastillnessinwhichalltheworldmighthaveceasedbreathing。
　　``Whatnext？''saidPrinceIvor，atlastspeakingquietlyandlow。``Whatnext，Father？''
　　``Greatthingswhichwillcome，onebyone，''saidtheKing，``ifweholdourselvesready。''
　　PrinceIvorturnedhisfacefromthelovely，white，brokencity，andputhisbrownhandonhisfather'sarm。
　　``Upontheledgethatnight——''hesaid，``Father，youremember——？''TheKingwaslookingfaraway，buthebenthishead：
　　``Yes。Thatwillcome，too，''hesaid。``Canyourepeatit？''
　　``Yes，''saidIvor，``andsocantheaide-de-camp。We'vesaiditahundredtimes。Webelieveit'strue。`IfthedescendantoftheLostPrinceisbroughtbacktoruleinSamavia，hewillteachhispeopletheLawoftheOne，fromhisthrone。Hewillteachhisson，andthatsonwillteachhisson，andhewillteachhis。
　　Andthroughsuchasthese，thewholeworldwilllearntheOrderandtheLaw。'''
　　End