ThentheKingstiffenedhisshouldersandplacedhishandsslowlybehindhisback。"Thatsounds，mydearKalonay，"hesaid，"almostlikeathreat。"
Theyoungermanlaughedinsolently。"Imeantit，too，yourMajesty，"heanswered，bowingmockinglyandbackingaway。
AstheKing’sguestsseatedthemselvesathisbreakfast—tableLouissmileduponthemwithagraciousglanceofwelcomeandapproval。Hismannerwascharminglycondescending，andinhisappearancetherewasnothingmoreseriousthanananxietyfortheirbetterentertainmentandacertainanimalsatisfactioninthefooduponhisplate。
Inrealityhiseyesweredistributingthepeopleatthetablebeforehimintoelementsfavorableorunfavorabletohisplans，andinhismindheshuffledthemandtheirvaluesforhimoragainsthimasagamblerarrangesandrearrangesthecardsinhishand。Hesawhimselfplainlyashisownhighestcard，andBarratandErhauptaswillingbutmediocreaccomplices。InFatherPaulandKalonayherecognizedhismostpowerfulalliesormostdangerousfoes。MissCarsonmeantnothingtohimbutasourcefromwhichhecoulddrawthesinewsofwar。Whatwouldbecomeofherafterthefarcewasended，hedidnotconsider。Hewasnotcapableofcomprehendingeitherherorhermotives，andhadheconcernedhimselfaboutheratall，hewouldhaveprobablythoughtthatshewasmoreofafoolthanthesaintshepretendedtobe，andthatshehadcometotheirassistancemorebecauseshewishedtobenearaPrinceandaKingthanbecauseshecaredforthesoulsofsixtythousandpeasants。Thatshewouldsurelylosehermoney，andcouldhardlyhopetoescapefromthemwithoutlosinghergoodname，didnotconcernhim。ItwasnothisdutytolookafterthereputationofanyAmericanheiresswhothoughtshecouldaffordtobeunconventional。Shehadamothertodothatforher，andshewasprettyenough，heconcluded，toexcusemanythings，——soprettythathewonderedifhemightbravetheCountessZaraandofferMissCarsontheattentionstowhichKalonayhadmadesucharrogantobjections。
TheKingsmiledatthethought，andlethislittleeyesfallforamomentonthetallfigureofthegirlwithitscrownofheavygoldenhair，andonherclever，earnesteyes。Shewascertainlyworthwaitingfor，andinthemeanwhileshewasvirtuallyunprotectedandsurroundedbyhisownpeople。
Accordingtohistranslationofheracts，shehadalreadyofferedhimeveryencouragement，andhadplacedherselfinapositionwhichtohisunderstandingoftheworldcouldhavebutoneinterpretation。WhatKalonay’ssuddeninfatuationmightmeanhecouldnotforesee；whetheritpromisedgoodorthreatenedevil，hecouldonlyguess，buthedecidedthattheyoungman’sunwontedshowofindependenceofthemorningmustbepunished。HisclaimtoexclusiveproprietorshipintheyounggirlstrucktheKingasamusing，butimpertinent。Itwouldbeeasysailinginspiteofall，hedecided；forsomewhereupabovetheminthehotelsattheunbiddenguest，thewomanagainstwhomFatherPaulhadraisedthebanofexpulsion，butwhohad，nevertheless，trickedbothhimandthefaithfulJackal。
ThebreakfastwasdrawingtoanendandthefaithfulNiccolaswastheonlyservantremainingintheroom。Thetalkhadgrownintimateandtouchedopenlyuponthesuccessfulvisitofthetwoambassadorstotheisland，andofBarrat’smissiontoParis。OfMadameZara’svisittothenorthernhalfoftheisland，whichwassupposedtohavebeenlesssuccessful，nomentionwasmade。
Louisfeltashelistenedtothemlikeamanataplay，whoknowsthatatawordfromhimthecomplicationswouldcease，andthatwerehetoriseinthestallsandexplainthemaway，andpointouttherealheroanddenouncethevillain，thecurtainwouldhavetoringdownontheinstant。Hegavealittlepurrofsatisfaction，andagainmarshalledhischancesbeforehimandsmiledtofindthemgood。Hewasgrandlyatpeacewithhimselfandwiththeworld。Whateverhappened，hewasalreadyricherbysome300，000francs，andinaday，ifhecouldkeeptheAmericangirltoherexpeditionhadbeenplayedhewouldbefree，——freetoreturntohisclubsandtohisboulevardsandboudoirs，withmoneyenoughtosilencethemostinsolentamonghiscreditors，andwithrenewedcredit；withevenacertainglamourabouthimofonewhohaddaredtodo，eventhoughhehadfailedinthedoing，whohadshakenofftheslothfulnessofeaseandhadchosentoriskhislifeforhisthronewithasmokingrifleinhishand，untilatraitorhadturnedfortuneagainsthim。
TheKingwasamusedtofindthatthisprospectpleasedhimvastly。Hewassurprisedtodiscoverthat，carelessashethoughthimselftobetopublicopinion，hewasstillcapableofcaringforitsapprobation；butheconsoledhimselfforthisweaknessbyarguingthatitwasonlybecausetheapprobationwouldbehisbyatrickthatitpleasedhimtothinkof。Perhapssomeofhisroyalcousins，inthelightofhisboldintent，mighttakehimundertheirprotectioninsteadofneglectinghimshamefully，astheyhaddoneinthepast。
Hisarmedexpeditionmightopencertaindoorstohim；hisname——andhesmiledgrimlyasheimaginedit——wouldringthroughoutEuropeastheSoldierKing，asthemoderndiscipleofthedivinerightofkings。Hesaw，inhismind’seye，eventhepossibilityofaroyalallianceandapensionfromoneofthegreatPowers。Nomatterwherehelookedhecouldseenothingbutgaintohimself，morepowerforpleasure，morechancesofgreaterfortuneinthefuture，andwhilehislipsassentedtowhattheotherssaid，andhiseyesthankedthemforsomeexpressionofloyaltyorconfidence，hesawhimselfindreamsasbrightasanabsinthedrinker’s，backinhisbelovedParis：intheChamps—Elyseesbehindfinehorses，lollingfromasilkboxattheopera，dealingbaccaratatthejockeyClub，orplayinghosttosomebeautifulwomanofthehour，inthenewhomehewouldestablishforherinthediscreetandleafybordersoftheBois。
Hehadforgottenhisguestsandthemoment。Hehadforgottenthatthereweredifficultiesyettoovercome，andwithashort，indrawnsighofpleasure，hethrewbackhisheadandsmiledarrogantlyuponthesunnyterraceandthegreenpalmsandthebrilliantbluesea，asthoughhechallengedthewholebeautifulworldbeforehimtodoaughtbutministertohissuccessandcontributetohispleasures。
Andatonce，asthoughinanswertohischallenge，atall，slimyoungmanspranglightlyupthestepsoftheterrace，passedthebewilderedguardswithacheerynod，and，stridingbeforetheopenwindows，knockedwithhisfistupontheportalsofthedoor，assharplyandasconfidentlyasthoughtheKing’sshieldhadhungthere，andhehadstruckitwithalance。
TheKing’sdreamshatteredandfadedawayatthesound，andhemoveduneasilyinhischair。Hehadthegambler’ssuperstitiousregardfortrifles，andthisinvasionofhisprivacybyaconfidentstrangerfilledhimwithsuddendisquiet。
HesawKalonaystaringattheopenwindowswithanexpressionofastonishmentanddismay。
"Whoisit？"theKingasked，peevishly。"Whatareyoustaringat？Howdidhegetin？"
KalonayturnedonBarrat，sittingathisright。"Didyouseehim？"heasked。Barratnoddedgloomily。
"Thedevil!"exclaimedthePrince，asthoughBarrathadconfirmedhisguess。"Ibegyourpardon，"hesaid，noddinghisheadtowardthewomen。Hepushedbackhischairandstoodirresolutelywithhisnapkininhishand。"Tellhimwearenotin，Niccolas，"hecommanded。
"Hesawusashepassedthewindow，"theBaronobjected。
"Sayweareatbreakfastthen。Iwillseehimmyselfinamoment。WhatshallItellhim？"heasked，turningtoBarrat。
"Doyouthinkheknows？Hemustknow，theyhavetoldhiminParis。"
"Youarekeepinguswaiting，"saidtheKing。"Whatisit？
Whoisthisman？"
"AnAmericannamedGordon。Heisacorrespondent，"Kalonayanswered，withoutturninghishead。Hiseyeswerestillfixedontheterraceasthoughhehadseenaghost。
TheKingslappedhishandonthearmofthechair。"Youpromisedme，"hesaid，"thatweshouldbefreefromthatsortofthing。ThatiswhyIagreedtocomehereinsteadofgoingtoAlgiers。Goout，Barrat，andsendhimaway。"
Barratpressedhislipstogetherandshookhishead。
"Youcan’tsendhimawaylikethat，"hesaid。"Heisaveryimportantyoungman。"
"Findouthowmuchhewilltake，then，"exclaimedtheKing，angrily，"andgiveittohim。Icanbetteraffordtopayblackmailtoanyamountthanhavemyplansspoilednowbythenewspapers。Givehimwhathewants——afurcoat——theyalwayswearfurcoats——orfivethousandfrancs，orsomething——anything——butgetridofhim。"
Barratstirreduneasilyinhischairandshruggedhisshoulders。"Heisnotaboulevardjournalist，"hereplied，sulkily。
"YourMajestyisthinkingoftheHungarianJewsatVienna，"
explainedKalonay，"wholiveonchantageandtheMonteCarlopropagandafund。Thismanisnotintheirclass；heisnottobebought。IsaidhewasanAmerican。"
"AnAmerican!"exclaimedMrs。Carsonandherdaughter，exchangingrapidglances。"IsitArchieGordonyoumean？"thegirlasked。"IthoughthewasinChina。"
"Thatistheman——ArchieGordon。Hewritesbooksandexploresplaces，"Kalonayanswered。
"Iknowhim。HewroteabookontheslavetradeintheCongo，"contributedColonelErhaupt。"ImethimatZanzibar。
Whatdoeshewantwithus？"
"HewasinYokohamawhentheJapanese—Chinesewarbrokeout，"
saidKalonay，turningtotheKing，"andhecabledaLondonpaperhewouldfollowthewarforitiftheypaidhimahundredaweek。HemeantAmericandollars，buttheythoughthemeantpounds，sotheycabledbackthatthey’dpayone—halfthatsum。Heanswered，`Onehundredornothing，’andtheyfinallyassentedtothat，andhestarted；andwhenthefirstweek’sremittancearrived，andhereceivedfivehundreddollarsinsteadoftheonehundredheexpected，hesentbackthedifference。"
"Whataremarkableyoungman!"exclaimedtheKing。"Heismuchtoogoodfordailywear。Wedon’twantanyonelikethataroundhere，dowe？"
"IknowMr。Gordonverywell，"saidMissCarson。"HelivedinSanFranciscobeforehecameEast。Hewasalwaysatourhouse，andwasagreatfriendofthefamily；wasn’the，mother？Wehaven’tseenhimfortwoyearsnow，butIknowhewouldn’tspoilourplansforthesakeofhispaper，ifheknewwewereinearnest，ifheunderstoodthateverythingdependeduponitsbeingkeptasecret。"
"Wearenotcertainthatheknowsanything，"theKingurged。
"Hemaynothavecomeheretoseeus。IthinkFatherPaulshouldtalkwithhimfirst。"
"Iwasgoingtosuggest，"saidMissCarson，withsomehesitation，"thatifIspoketohimImightbeabletoputittohiminsuchawaythathewouldseehownecessaryit————"
"Oh，excellent!"exclaimedtheKing，eagerly，andrisingtohisfeet；"ifyouonlywouldbesokind，MissCarson。"
Kalonay，misunderstandingthesituationaltogether，fastenedhiseyesuponthetableanddidnotspeak。
"Hehasnotcometoseeyou，Patricia，"saidMrs。Carson，quietly。
"HedoesnotknowthatIamhere，"MissCarsonanswered；"butI’msureifhedidhewouldbeverygladtoseeusagain。Andifwedoseehimwecanmakehimpromisenottodoanythingthatmightinterferewithourplans。Won’tyouletmespeaktohim，mother？"
Mrs。Carsonturneduncertainlytothepriestfordirection，andhisglanceapparentlyreassuredher，forsherose，thoughstillwithatroubledcountenance，andthetwowomenlefttheroomtogether，themenstandingregardingeachotheranxiouslyacrossthetable。WhentheyhadgonetheKinglitacigaretteand，turninghisbackonhiscompanions，puffedatitnervouslyinsilence。Kalonaysatmoodilystudyingthepatternontheplatebeforehim，andtheotherswhisperedtogetheratthefartherendofthetable。
WhenMissCarsonandhermothersteppedoutupontheterrace，theAmericanwasstandingwithhisbacktowardthemandwasspeakingtotheguardswhosatcross—leggedatthetopofthesteps。Theyshowednosignofsurpriseatthefactofhisaddressingthemintheirowntonguefurtherthanthattheyansweredhimwithashowofrespectwhichtheyhadnotexhibitedtowardthosetheyprotected。TheAmericanturnedasheheardthefootstepsbehindhim，and，afterastartledlookofastonishment，hurriedtowardthetwowomen，exclaiming，witheveryexpressionofpleasure。
"Ihadnoideayouwerestoppinghere，"hesaid，afterthefirstgreetingswereover。"IthoughtyouweresomewhereontheContinent。IamsogladIcaughtyou。ItseemscenturiessinceIsawyoulast。You’relookingverywell，Mrs。
Carson——andasforPatty——Iamalmostafraidofher——I’vebeenhearingallsortsofthingsaboutyoulately，Patty，"hewenton，turningasmilingcountenancetowardthegirl。"Aboutyourengagementstoprincesanddukes——allsortsofdisturbingrumors。Whataterribleswellyou’vegrowntobe。Ihardlyrecognizeyouatall，Mrs。Carson。Itisn’tpossiblethisisthesameyounggirlIusedtotakebuggyridingonSundayevenings？"
"Indeed，itisnot。Iwishitwere，"saidMrs。Carson，plaintively，sinkingintoachair。"I’mgladtoseeyou’renotchanged，Archie，"sheadded，withasigh。
"Why，he’sverymuchchanged，mother，"thegirlsaid。"He’staller，and，incomparisonwithwhathewas，he’salmostwastedaway，andsosunburnedIhardlyknewhim。Exceptroundtheforehead，"sheadded，mockingly，"andIsupposethesuncouldn’tburntherebecauseofthelaurel—wreaths。Iheartheybringthemtoyoufresheverymorning。"
"They’rebetterthancoronets，atanyrate，"Gordonanswered，withanod。"They’renotsocommon。AndifI’mwastedaway，canyouwonder？HowlonghasitbeensinceIsawyou，Patty？"
"No，I’mwrong，he’snotchanged，"MissCarsonsaiddryly，assheseatedherselfbesidehermother。
"Howdoyoutwocometobestoppinghere？"theyoungmanasked。"IthoughtthishotelhadbeenturnedovertoKingLouis？"
"Ithas，"Mrs。Carsonanswered。"WearestayingattheContinental，onthehillthere。Weareonlyhereforbreakfast。Heaskedustobreakfast。"
"He？"repeatedGordon，withanincreduloussmile。"Who？NottheKing——notthatblackguard？"
MissCarsonraisedherhead，andstaredathiminsilence，andhermothergavealittlegasp，apparentlyofreliefandsatisfaction。
"Yes，"MissCarsonansweredatlast，coldly。"Wearebreakfastingwithhim。Whatdoyouknowagainsthim？"
Gordonstaredatherwithsuchgenuineastonishmentthatthegirlloweredhereyes，and，bendingforwardinherchair，twirledherparasolnervouslybetweenherfingers。
"WhatdoIknowagainsthim？Why，Patty!"heexclaimed。"Howdidyoumeethim，inHeaven’sname？"heasked，roughly。"Haveyoubeenseenwithhim？Haveyouknownhimlong？Whohadtheimpudencetopresenthim？"
Mrs。Carsonlookedup，nowthoroughlyalarmed。Herlowerlipwastrembling，andshetwistedherglovedhandstogetherinherlap。
"Whatdoyouknowagainsthim？"MissCarsonrepeated，meetingGordon’slookwithoneasfullofsurpriseashisown。
Theyoungmanregardedhersteadilyforafewmoments，andthen，withachangeofmanner，asthoughhenowsawthesituationwasmuchmoreseriousthanhehadatfirstsupposed，drewupachairinfrontofthetwowomenandseatedhimselfdeliberately。
"Hasheborrowedanymoneyfromyouyet？"heasked。MissCarson’sfaceflushedcrimsonandshestraightenedhershouldersandturnedhereyesawayfromGordonwitheverysignofindignationanddisapproval。Theyoungmangaveanexclamationofrelief。
"No？That’sgood。Youcannothaveknownhimsoverylong。I
amgreatlyrelieved。"
"LouisofMessina，"hebeganmoregently，"isthemostunscrupulousrascalinEurope。Sincetheyturnedhimoutofhiskingdomhehaslivedbysellinghistitletomenwhoarepromotingnewbrandsofchampagneorfloatingqueerminingshares。ThegreaterpartofhisincomeisdependentonthegenerosityoftheoldnobilityofMessina，andwhentheydon’tpayhimreadilyenough，heleviesblackmailonthem。Heowesmoneytoeverytailorandhorse—dealerandhotel—keeperinEurope，andnoonewhocantellonecardfromanotherwillplaywithhim。Thatishisreputation。Andtohelphimliveuptoithehassurroundedhimselfwithaparcelofadventurersasrascallyashimself：aColonelErhauptwhowasdroppedfromaGermanregiment，andwhoisaColonelonlybythefavoroftheQueenofMadagascar；aretiredcroupiernamedBarrat；andafallenangelcalledKalonay，afellowoftheverybestbloodinEuropeandwiththeveryworstmorals。
TheycallhimtheKing’sjackal，andheisoneofthemostdelightfulblackguardsIevermet。SoistheKingforthatmatter，amostentertainingindividualifyoukeephiminhisplace，butamannowomancanknow。Infact，Mrs。Carson，"
Gordonwenton，addressinghimselftothemother，"whenyouhavetosaythatawomanhasabsolutelynoreputationwhateveryoucanbestexpressitbyexplainingthatshehasatitlefromLouisofMessina。ThatishisMajesty’swayoftreatinghisfemininefriendswhentheyborehimandhewantstogetridofthem。Hegivesthematitle。
"Theonlythingthemaneverdidthatwastohiscreditandthatcouldbediscussedinpolitesocietyiswhatheisdoingnowatthisplace，atthismoment。Foritseems，"Gordonwhispered，drawinghischaircloser，"thatheisabouttoshowhimselfsomethingofamanafterall，andthatheisengagedinfittingoutanarmedexpeditionwithwhichhehopestorecoverhiskingdom。That’swhatbroughtmehere，andImustsayIratheradmirehimforattemptingsuchathing。Ofcourse，itwasKalonaywhoputhimuptoit；hewouldneverhavestirredfromtheboulevardsifthatyoungmanhadnotmadehim。Butheishere，nevertheless，waitingforafavorableopportunitytosail，andhehastenthousandriflesandthreeMaximgunslyinginhisyachtoutthereintheharbor。That’showIcametolearnaboutit。IwasgettinganestimateonanoutfitIwasthinkingoftakingintoYucatanfrommyoldgunsmithintheRueScribe，andhedroppedahintthathehadshippedtenthousandriflestoTangier，toColonelErhaupt。IhavemetErhauptinZanzibar，andknewhewastheKing’sright—handman，soIputtwoandtwotogetheranddecidedIwouldfollowthemup，and————"
"Yes，andnow，"interruptedMissCarson，sharply——"andnowthatyouhavefollowedthemup，whatdoyoumeantodo？"
Gordonlookedhissurpriseatherearnestness，butansweredthathedidnotknowwhathewoulddo；hethoughthewouldeitheraskthemtogivehimacommissionintheirexpedition，andlethimhelpthemfight，andwriteanaccountoftheiradventureslater，orhewouldtelegraphthestoryatoncetohispaper。Itwaswithhim，hesaid，entirelyaquestionastowhichcoursewouldbeofthegreaternewsvalue。Ifhetoldwhathenowknew，hispaperwouldbethefirstofallothersto，informtheworldoftheexpeditionandtheproposedrevolution；whileifhevolunteeredfortheexpeditionandwaiteduntilithadfailedorsucceeded，hewouldbeabletotellmoreeventually，butwouldhavetoshareitwithothercorrespondents。
MissCarsonregardedhimwithanexpressioninwhichindignationandentreatywerecuriouslyblended。
"Archie，"shesaid，inalowvoice，"youdonotknowwhatyouaredoingorsaying。YouarethreateningtospoiltheonethinginmylifeonwhichIhavesetmyheart。Thereturnofthismantohisthrone，whetherheisworthyornot，meanstherestorationoftheCatholicChurchonthatisland；itmeansthereturnofthemonksandtherebuildingofthemonasteries，andthesalvationofsixtythousandsouls。Iknowallthattheymeantodo。Iamtheonewhopaidforthoseriflesthatbroughtyouhere；youhavetoldmeonlywhatIhaveknownformonths，andforwhichIhavebeenearnestlyworkingandpraying。Iamnotblindedbythesemen。Theyarenotthecreaturesyoudescribe；butnomatterwhattheymaybe，itisonlythroughthem，andthroughthemalone，thatIcandowhatIhavesetouttodo。"
Gordonsilencedherwithasweepofhishand。"Doyoumeantotellme，"hedemanded，"thatyouaremixedupinthis——withthese——thattheyhavetakenmoneyfromyou，andtoldyoutheymeanttouseittore—establishtheChurch？Mrs。Carson，"heexclaimed，bitterly，turninguponher，"whyhaveyouallowedthis——whathaveyoubeendoingwhilethiswasgoingon？DoyousupposethosescoundrelscarefortheChurch——theChurch，indeed!WaituntilIseethem——anyofthem——Erhauptbychoice，andI’llmakethemgiveupeveryfrancyou’velentthem，orI’llhorsewhipandexposethemforthegangofwelshersandthimble—riggerstheyare；oriftheyprefertheirownmethods，I’llcallthemoutinrotationandshoottheirarmsandlegsoff。"Hestoppedanddrewalongbreath，eitherofcontentthathehaddiscoveredthesituationintimetotakesomepartinit，orattheprospectofafight。
"Theideaofyoutwohelplessfemaleswanderingintothisdenofwolves!"heexclaimed，indignantly。"It’sabouttimeyouhadamantolookafteryou!Yougobacktoyourhotelnow，andletmehaveachatwithLouisofMessina。He’skeptmewaitingsometwentyminutesasitis，andthat’salittlelongerthanIcangivehim。I’mnotacreditor。"Herosefromhischair；butMissCarsonputoutherhandandmotionedhimtobeseated。
"Archie，"shesaid，"Ilikethewayyoutakethis，eventhoughyouareallwrongaboutit，becauseit’sjustlikeyoutoflyintoapassionandwanttofightsomeoneforsomebody。Ifyourconclusionswereanywherenearthetruth，youwouldbeactingverywell。Buttheyarenot。TheKingisnothandlingmymoney，northePrinceKalonay。ItisinthekeepingofFatherPaul，theFatherSuperioroftheDominicanmonks，whoistheonlyoneofthesepeopleIknoworwhoknowsme。Heisnotaswindler，too，ishe，oraretiredcroupier？Listentomenow，anddonotflyoutlikethatatme，oratmother。Itisnotherfault。LastsummermotherandIwenttoMessinaastourists，andoneday，whenpassingthroughaseaporttown，wesawacrowdofpeopleontheshore，standingorkneelingbythehundredsinagreatsemicircleclosetothewater’sedge。
Therewasapriestpreachingtothemfromanopenboat。ItwaslikeascenefromtheNewTestament，andtheman，thisFatherPaul，mademethinkofoneofthedisciples。Iaskedthemwhyhedidnotpreachontheland，andtheytoldmethatheandallofthepriestshadbeenbanishedfromtheislandsixyearsbefore，andthattheycouldonlyreturnbystealthanddarednotlandexceptbynight。Whenthepriesthadfinishedspeaking，Ihadmyselfrowedouttohisboat，andI
talkedalongtimewithhim，andhetoldmeofthisplantore—establishhimselfandhisorder。Iofferedtohelphimwithmymoney，andhepromisedmealettertoCardinalNapoli。
ItreachedmeonmyreturntoRome，andthroughtheinfluenceoftheCardinalIwasgivenanaudiencewiththePope，andI
wasencouragedtoaidFatherPaulasfarasIcould。Ihadmeanttobuildamemorialchurchforfather，buttheyurgedmetogivethemoneyinsteadtothiscause。Allmydealingsuntilto—dayhavebeenwithFatherPaulalone。IhaveseenalittleofthePrinceKalonaybecausetheyarealwaystogether；
buthehasalwaystreatedmeinawaytowhichnoonecouldtakeexception，andheiscertainlyverymuchinearnest。
WhenFatherPaulleftParismotherandIcameonhereinordertobenearhim，andthatishowyoufindmeatTangier。Andnowthatyouunderstandhowmuchthismeanstome，Iknowyouwillnotdoanythingtostandinourway。Thosemeninsideareafraidthatyoucamehereforjustthereasonthatapparentlyhasbroughtyou，andwhentheysawyoualittlewhileagothroughthewindowstheyweregreatlydisturbed。
Letmetellthemthatyoumeantovolunteerforthecampaign。
TheKingcannotrefusetheservicesofamanwhohasdonethethingsyouarealwaysdoing。AndIpromiseyouthatforarewardyoushallbetheonlyonetotellthestoryofourattempt。Ipromiseyou，"sherepeatedearnestly，"thatthedayweenterthecapital，youcancablewhateveryoupleaseandtellourstorytothewholeofEurope。"
"Thestorybehanged!"repliedGordon。"Youhavemadethisamuchmoreseriousbusinessthananewspaperstory。Youmisunderstandmeutterly，Patty。IamherenowbecauseIamnotgoingtohaveyoucompromisedandrobbed。"
Thegirlstoodupandlookeddownattheyoungmanindignantly。
"Youhavenorightwhatevertousethattonetome，"shesaid。
"Iamofageandmyownadviser。Iamactingforthegoodofagreatnumberofpeople，andaccordingtowhatmyconscienceandcommonsensetellmeisright。Ishallhateyouifyouattempttointerfere。Youcandooneoftwothings，Archie。
Igiveyouyourchoice：youcaneithergowiththemasavolunteer，andpromisetokeepoursecret；oryoucancablewhatyouknownow，whatyouknowonlybyaccident，butifyoudo，youwillloseyourbestfriend，andyouwilldefeatagoodandanobleeffort。"
Gordonleanedbackinhischair，andlookedupathersteadilyforabriefmoment，andthenrosewithasmile，andbowedtothetwowomeninsilence。Hecrossedtheterracequicklywithanamusedandpuzzledcountenance，andwalkedintothebreakfast—room，fromthewindowsofwhich，asherightlyguessed，thefiveconspiratorshadforsometimeobservedhim。
Helookedfromonetotheotherofthemenaboutthetable，untilhiseyesfinallymetthoseoftheKing。
"Ibelieve，sir，youareleadinganexpeditionagainsttheRepublicofMessina？"Gordonsaid。"Iamafraiditcan’tstartunlessyoutakemewithyou。"
III
ThepresenceinTangieroftheKingofMessinaandhissuite，andthearrivalthereoftheFrenchnoblemenwhohadvolunteeredfortheexpedition，couldnotescapetheobservationoftheresidentConsuls—Generalandoftheforeigncolony，anddinners，ridingandhuntingparties，pig—sticking，andexcursionsonhorsebackintotheoutlyingcountrywereplannedfortheirhonoranddailyentertainment。Hadtheconspiratorsheldalooffromthese，theresidentsmighthaveasked，sinceitwasnottoenjoythemselves，whatwasthepurposeoftheirstayinTangier；andso，toallaysuspicionastotheirrealobject，differentmembersoftheexpeditionhadbeenassignedfromtimetotimetorepresentthevisitorsatthesefestivities。OnthemorningfollowingthereturnoftheyachtfromMessina，aninvitationtoridetoafarmhousesomemilesoutofTangierandtobreakfasttherehadbeensenttothevisitors，andtheKinghaddirectedthePrinceKalonay，andhalfofthedelegationfromParis，toacceptitinhisname。
Theywerewellcontenttogo，androdeforthgaylyandinhighspirits，forthewordhadbeenbroughtthemearlyinthemorningthattheexpeditionwasalreadypreparedtomove，andthatsameeveningatmidnighttheyachtwouldsetsailforMessina。Theywerecarelessastowhatfortunewaitedforthemthere。Thepromiseofmuchexcitement，offightingandofdanger，ofpossiblehonorandsuccess，stirredtheheartsoftheyoungmengloriously，andastheygallopedacrosstheplains，orracedeachotherfrompointtopoint，orhaltedtojumptheirponiesacrossthemanygapingcreviceswhichthesunhadsplitinthesurfaceoftheplain，theyfilledthestill，warmairwiththeirshoutsandlaughter。Inthepartythereweremanyladies，andthegroupschangedandformedagainastheyrodeforward，spreadoutoneithersideofthecaravan—trailandcoveringtheplainlikeaskirmishlineofcavalry。ButKalonaykeptcloseatMissCarson’sstirrup，whethershewalkedherponyorsenthimflyingacrossthehard，sunbakedsoil。
"Ihopeyouwon’tdothatagain，"hesaid，earnestly，asshedrewuppanting，withhersailorhatandhairfallingtohershoulders。Theyhadbeengallopingrecklesslyovertheopencrevicesinthesoil。
"It’squitethenastiestcountryIeversaw，"hesaid。"Itlooksasthoughanearthquakehadshakenitopenandhadforgottentocloseitagain。Believeme，itismostunsafeanddangerous。Yourponymightstumble——"Hestopped，asthoughthepossibilitiesweretooseriousforwords，butthegirllaughed。
"It’snomoredangerousthanridingacrossourprairieatduskwhenyoucan’tseethebarbedwire。Youarethelastpersonintheworldtofindfaultbecauseathingisdangerous，"sheadded。
Theyhadreachedthefarm，wheretheywenttobreakfast，andtheyoungEnglishmanwhowastheirhostwasreceivinghisguestsinhisgarden，andtheservantswerepassingamongthem，carryingcooldrinksandpowderedsweetsandTurkishcoffee。Kalonaygavetheirponiestoaservantandpointedwithhiswhiptoanarborthatstoodatoneendofthegarden。
"Maywesitdownthereamomentuntiltheycallus？"hesaid。
"Ihavenewsofmuchimportance——andImaynothaveanotherchance，"hebegged，lookingatherwistfully。Thegirlstoodmotionless；hereyeswereserious，andshemeasuredthedistancedownthewalktothearborasthoughshesawitbesetwithdangersmoreactualthanprecipicesandtwistedwire。
ThePrincewatchedherasthoughhisfatewasbeingweighedinhispresence。
"Verywell，"shesaidatlast，andmovedonbeforehimdownthegarden—path。
Thearborwasopentotheairwithalow，broadroofofpalm—leavesthatoverhungitonallsidesandleftitindeepshadow。Arounditweremanystrangeplantsandflowers，somenativetoMoroccoandsometransplantedfromtheirEnglishhome。Fromwheretheysattheycouldseetheotherguestsmovinginandoutamongthegrovesoforangeandolivetreesandswayingpalms，andstanding，outlinedagainstthebluesky，uponthelow，flatroofofthefarm—house。
"Ihavedaredtoaskyoutobesogoodastogivemethismoment，"thePrincesaidhumbly，"onlybecauseIamgoingaway，anditmaybemylastchancetospeakwithyou。Youdonotmind？YoudonotthinkIpresume？"
"No，Idonotmind，"saidthegirl，smiling。"Inmycountrywedonotthinkitaterribleoffencetotalktoagirlatagarden—party。Butyousaidtherewassomethingofimportanceyouwantedtosaytome。Youmeantheexpedition？"
"Yes，"saidKalonay。"Westartthisevening。"Thegirlraisedherheadslightlyandstaredpasthimattheburningwhitewallsandtheburningblueskythatlayoutsidethecircleofshadowinwhichtheysat。
"Thisevening——"sherepeatedtoherself。
"Wereachthereintwodays，"Kalonaycontinued；"andthenwe——thenwegoon——untilweenterthecapital。"
Thegirl’sheadwasbent，andshelookedatherhandsastheylayinherlapandfrownedatthem，theyseemedsowhiteandprettyanduseless。
"Yes，yougoon，"sherepeated，"andwestayhere。Youareamanandabletogoon。Iknowwhatthatmeans。Andyoulikeit，"sheadded，withaglanceofmingledadmirationandfear。
"Youaregladtofightandtoriskdeathandtoleadmenontokillothermen。"
Kalonaydrewlinesinthesandwithhisridingwhip，anddidnotraisehishead。
"Isupposeitisbecauseyouarefightingforyourhome，"thegirlcontinued，"andtosetyourcountryfree，andthatyoucanlivewithyourownpeopleagain，andbecauseitisaholywar。Thatmustbeit。Nowthatitisreallycome，Iseeitalldifferently。IseethingsIhadnotthoughtaboutbefore。
Theyfrightenme，"shesaid。
ThePrinceraisedhisheadandfacedthegirl，claspingtheendofhiswhipnervouslyinhishand。"IfweshouldwintheislandfortheKing，"hesaid，"Ibelieveitwillmakeagreatchangeinme。Ishallbeabletogofreelythentomyhome，asyousay，tolivetherealways，togiveupthelifeI
haveledontheContinent。Ithasbeenafoolishlife——adog’slife——andIhavenoonetoblameforitbutmyself。I
madeitworsethanitneedtohavebeen。Butifwewin，I
havepromisedmyselfthatIwillnotreturntoit；andifwefallIshallnotreturntoit，forthereasonthatIshallhavebeenkilled。Ishallhavemuchpowerifwewin。WhenI
saymuchpower，ImeanmuchpowerinMessina，inthatlittlecorneroftheworld，andIwishtouseitworthilyandwell。
IamafraidIshouldnothavethoughtofit，"hewenton，naively，asthoughheweretryingtobequitefair，"hadnotFatherPaulpointedouttomewhatIshoulddo，howIcouldraisethepeopleandstoptheabuseswhichmadethemdriveusfromtheisland。Thepeoplemustbetaxedlessheavily，andthemoneymustbespentforthemandnotforus，onroadsandharborsandschools，notatthePalaceonbanquetsandfetes。
TheseareFatherPaul’sideas，notmine，——butnowImakethemmine。"Heroseandpacedthelengthofthelittlearbor，hishandsclaspedbehindhimandhiseyesbentontheground。
"Yes，thatiswhatImeantodo，"hesaid。"ThatisthewayI
meantolive。Andifwefail，Imeantobeamongthosewhoaretodieonthefortificationsofthecapital，sothatwithmetheKalonayfamilywillend，andendfightingfortheKing，asmanyofmypeoplehavedonebeforeme。Thereisnootherway。Formethereshallbenomoreidlenessnorexile。I
musteitherliveontohelpmypeople，orImustdiewiththem。"Hestoppedinhiswalkandregardedthegirlclosely。
"Youmaybethinking，itiseasyforhimtopromisethis，itiseasytospeakofwhatonewilldo。Iknowthat。IknowthatIcanpointbackatnothingIhavedonethatgivesmeanyrighttoaskyoutobelievemenow。ButIdoaskit，forifyoubelieveme——believewhatIsay——itmakesiteasierformetotellyouwhyafterthisImustliveworthily。Butyouknowwhy？Youmustknow；itisnotpossiblethatyoudonotknow。"
Hesatdownbesideheronthebench，leaningforwardandcrushinghishandstogetheronhisknee。"ItisbecauseI
loveyou。BecauseIloveyousothateverythingwhichisnotworthyishatefultome，myselfmostofall。Itistheonlythingthatcounts。IusedtothinkIknewwhatlovemeant；I
usedtothinklovewasaselfishthingthatneededloveinreturn，thatitmustbefedonlovetolive，thatitneededvowsandtenderspeechesandcaresses，oritwoulddie。I
knownowthatwhenonetrulycares，hedoesnotaskwhethertheothercaresornot。Itiswhatonegivesthatcounts，notwhatonereceives。Youhavegivenmenothing——nothing——notawordnoralook；yetsinceIhaveknownyouIhavebeenmoremadlyhappyinjustknowingthatyoulivethanIwouldhavebeenhadanyotherwomaninalltheworldthrownherselfintomyarmsandsaidshelovedmeaboveallothermen。Iamnotfittotellyouthis。Butto—nightIgototrymyself，eithernevertoseeyouagain，ortocomebackperhapsmoreworthytoloveyou。ThinkofthiswhenIamgone。Donotspeaktomenow。Imayhavemadeyouhatemeforspeakingso，orImayhavemadeyoupityme；soletmegonotknowing，justlovingyou，worshippingyou，andholdingyouapartandaboveallotherpeople。Igotofightforyou，doyouunderstand？NotforourChurch，notformypeople，butforyou，toliveordieforyou。AndIasknothingfromyoubutthatyouwillletmeloveyoualways。"
ThePrincebent，andcatchingupMissCarson’sriding—glovesthatlaybesideheronthebench，kissedthemagainandagain，andthen，risingquickly，walkedoutofthearborintothewhitesunshine，and，withoutturning，mountedhisponyandgallopedacrosstheburningdesertinthedirectionofTangier。
ArchieGordonhadnotbeeninvitedtojointheexcursionintothecountry，norwouldhehaveacceptedit，forhewishedtobebyhimselfthathemightreviewthesituationandconsiderwhatlaybeforehim。HesatwithhislonglegsdanglingoverthebroadrampartwhichoverlookstheharborofTangier。Hewaswhistlingmeditativelytohimselfandbeatinganaccompanimenttothetunewithhisheels。Atintervalsheceasedwhistlingwhileheplacedacigarbetweenhisteethandpulleduponitthoughtfully，resuminghistuneagainatthepointwhereithadbeeninterrupted。Belowhimthewavesranuplazilyonthelevelbeachandsankagain，draggingthelongsea—weedwiththem，astheysweptagainstthesharprocks，andexposedthemforaninstant，nakedandglisteninginthesun。
Oneithersideofhimthetownstretchedtomeetthelow，white，sand—hillsinacrescentoflow，whitehousespiercedbygreenminaretsandroyalpalms。Awarmsunhadsenttheworldtosleepatmid—day，andanenforcedpeacehungovertheglaringwhitetownandthesparklingbluesea。Gordonblinkedattheglare，buthiseyesshowednosignsofdrowsiness。
Theywere，onthecontrary，awaketoallthatpassedonthehighroadbehindhim，andonthesandybeachathisfeet，whileatthesametimehismindwasbusilyoccupiedinreviewingwhathadoccurredthedaybefore，andinadjustingnewconditions。Atthehotelhehadfoundthatthesituationwasbecomingtoocomplicated，andthatitwasimpossibletofeelsureofthetruthofanything，orofthesincerityofanyone。Sincetheluncheonhourthedaybeforehehadbecomeafellow—conspiratorwithmenwhowereasobjectionabletohimineverywayasheknewhewasobnoxioustothem。Buttheyhadbeenforcedtoaccepthimbecause，sotheysupposed，hehadthematthemercyofhisownpleasure。Heknewtheirsecret，andinthelegitimatepursuitofhisprofessionhecould，ifhechose，informtheislandofMessina，withtherestoftheworld，oftheirintentiontowardit，andbringtheirexpeditiontoanend，thoughhehadchosen，asarewardforhissilence，tobecomeoneofthemselves。OnlytheCountessZarahadguessedthetruth，thatitwasGordonhimselfwhowasattheirmercy，andthatsolongastheAmericangirlpersistedincastingherfortuneswiththemheroldyoungfriendwasonlytooeagertomakeanyarrangementwiththemthatwouldkeephimatherside。
Itwasaperplexingposition，andGordonturneditoverandoverinhismind。HaditnotbeenthatMissCarsonhadapartinithewouldhaveenjoyedtheadventure，asanadventure，keenly。Hehadnoobjectionstofightingonthesideofrascals，oragainstrascals。Heobjectedtothemonlyinthecalmermomentsofprivatelife；andashewasofcourseignorantthattheexpeditionwasonlyamake—believe，hefeltacertainrespectforhisfellow—conspiratorsasmenwhowerewillingtostaketheirlivesforachanceofbetterfortune。
Butthattheirbraverywasofthekindwhichwouldmakethemhesitatetorobanddeceiveahelplessgirlheverymuchdoubted；forheknewthateventhebravestofwarriorsontheirwaytobattlewillrequisitionaherdofcattleorstoptolootatemple。Thedaybefore，GordonhadwitnessedthebriefceremonywhichattendedthepresentationoftheyoungnoblemenfromPariswhohadvolunteeredfortheexpeditioninallgoodfaith，andherevieweditandanalyzeditashesatsmokingontheramparts。
Ithadbeenanimpressiveceremony，inspiteofthefactthatsofewhadtakenpartinit，buttheearnestnessofthevisitorsandtheenthusiasmofKalonayandthepriesthadmadeupforthelackofnumbers。Thescenehadappealedtohimasoneofthemostdramatichehadwitnessedinthepursuitofacallinginwhichlookingonatrealdramaswasthemostfrequentduty，andhehadenjoyedthestrangemixtureofancienttermsofaddressandtitleswiththemodernmannersofthementhemselves。IthadinterestedhimtowatchBaronBarratbringouttheancientcrownandjewelledsceptrewhichhadbeentheregaliaofalltheKingsofMessinasincetheCrusadesandspreadthemoutuponawickertea—table，fromwhichNiccolashadjustremovedsomeemptycoffee—cups，halffilledwiththeendsofcigarettes，someyellow—backednovels，andacopyoftheParisFigaro。Itwasalsointerestingtohimtonotehowthesightofthelittleheir—apparentaffectedboththepeasantsfromthemountainsandtheyoungnoblesfromtheClubRoyale。Theformerfellupontheirkneeswiththetearsrollingdownthefurrowsintheirtannedcheeks，whilethelittlewise—eyedboystoodclingingtohisnurse’sskirtswithonehandandtohisfather’sfingerwiththeother，andnoddedhisheadatthemgravelylikeatoymandarin。
ThentheKinghadaddressedtheminadignifled，earnest，andalmosteloquentspeech，andhadpromisedmuchandprophesiedthebestoffortunes，andthen，atthelast，hadturnedsuddenlytowardMissCarson，whereshestoodinthebackgroundbetweenhermotherandFatherPaul。
"EverycausehasitsJoanofArc，oritsMariaTheresa，"hecried，lookingsteadfastlyatMissCarson。"Nocausehassucceededwithoutsomegoodwomantoaidit。Tohelpus，myfriends，wehaveadaughterofthepeople，aswasJoanofArc，andaqueen，aswasMariaTheresa，forshecomesfromthatcountrywhereeverywomanisaqueeninherownright，andwheretheloveoflibertyisinherent。"TheKingtookaquickstepbackward，andtakingMissCarson’shanddrewherforwardbesidehimandplacedherfacinghisaudience，whilethegirlmadevaineffortstowithdrawherhand。"Thisisshe，"hesaidearnestly，"thetruedaughteroftheChurchwhohasmadeitpossibleforustoreturntoourownagain。ItisduetoherthattheKingofMessinashallsitoncemoreonhisthrone；itisthroughhergenerosityalonethatthechurcheswillrisefromtheirruinsandthatyouwillonceagainheartheAngelusringacrossthefieldsatsunset。Rememberher，myfriendsandcousins，prayforherasasaintuponearth，andfightgloriouslytohelphertosuccess!"
Gordonhadrestrainedhimselfwithdifficultywhilethisscenewasbeingenacted；hecouldnotbearthethoughtoftheKingtouchingthegirl’shand。Hestruggledtopreventhimselffromcryingoutatthefalsepositionintowhichhehaddraggedher；andyettherewassomethingsoadmirablysincereintheKing’swords，somethingsocourteousandmanly，thatitrobbedhiswordsofallthetheatricaleffecttheyheld，andhistributetothegirlfilledevenGordonwithanemotionwhichonthepartoftheyoungnoblesfoundexpressionincheeruponcheer。
GordonrecalledthesecheersandthelooksofwonderingadmirationwhichhadbeenturneduponMissCarson，andhegrewsohotattherecollectionthathestruckthewallbesidehimsavagelywithhisclinchedfist，anddamnedtheobstinacyofhisyoungandbeautifulfriendwithasincerityandvigorthatwasthehighestexpressionofhisinterestinherbehalf。
Hethrewhiscigarintotherampartathisfeetanddroppedbackintothehighroad。Itwasdesertedatthetime，exceptforthepresenceofatall，slightlybuiltstranger，whoadvancedtowardhimfromthecitygates。ThemanwasdressedingarmentsofEuropeanfashionandcarriedhimselflikeasoldier，andGordonputhimdownataglanceasoneofthevolunteersfromParis。Thestrangerwaswalkingleisurely，stoppingtogazeatthefeluccasinthebay，andthenturningtolookupatthefortressonthehill。Heseemedtohavenopurposeinhiswalkexcepttheinterestofatourist，andashedrewupevenwithGordonheraisedhishelmetpolitelyand，greetinghiminEnglish，askedifhewereontherightroadtotheBashaw’sPalace。Gordonpointedtowherethewhitewallsofthepalaceroseabovetheotherwhitewallsaboutit。
"Thatisit，"hesaid。"Alltheroadsleadtoit。Youkeepgoinguphill。"
"Thankyou，"saidthestranger。"IseeIhavetakenalongway。"Heputhiswhiteumbrellainthesand，and，removinghishelmet，moppedhisforeheadwithhishandkerchief。"Itisacuriousoldtown，Tangier，"hesaid，affably，"buttoomanyhills，isitnotso？AlgiersIlikebetter。Thereismorelife。"
"Yes，Algiersisalmostasgoodastheboulevards，"Gordonassented，"ifyouliketheboulevards。Ipreferthisplacebecauseitisunspoiled。But，asyousay，thereisnotmuchtodohere。"
Thestranger’seyesfellupontheHotelGrandeBretagne，whichstoodaquarterofamileawayfromthemonthebeach。
"ThatistheHotelBretagne，isitnot？"heasked。Gordonansweredhimwithanod。
"TheKingLouisofMessina，sothechasseuratthehoteltellsme，isstoppingthereensuite，"thestrangeradded，withaninterrogativeairofonewhovolunteersaninterestingfact，andwhoasksifitistrueatthesamemoment。
"Ican’tsay，I’msure，"Gordonreplied。"Ionlyarrivedhereyesterday。"
Thestrangerbowedhisheadinrecognitionofthispieceofpersonalinformation，and，puttingonhishelmet，pickeduphisumbrellaasthoughtocontinuehisstroll。Ashedidsohiseyeswanderedovertheharborandwerearrestedwithapparentinterestbytheyacht，whichlayaconspicuousobjectonthebluewater。Hepointedatitwithhisumbrella。
"OneofyourEnglishmen—of—warisintheharbor，Isee。Sheisverypretty，butnotlarge；notsolargeasmany，"hesaid。
Gordonturnedhisheadobliginglyandgazedattheyachtwithpoliteinterest。"Isthataman—of—war？Ithoughtitwasayacht，"hesaid。"I’mnotfamiliarwiththeEnglishwar—vessels。IamanAmerican。"
"Ah，indeed!"commentedtheaffablestranger。"IamFrenchmyself，butIthinksheisaman—of—war。IsawhergunswhenIpassedonthesteamerfromGibraltar。"
Gordonknewthatthesteamerdidnotpasswithinhalfamileofwheretheyachtlayatanchor，butheconsidereditmightbepossibletoseeherdeckswiththeaidofaglass。
"Youmayberight，"heanswered，indifferently。Asheturnedhiseyesfromtheboathesawawoman，dressedinwhite，andcarryingaparasol，leavethegardensoftheHotelBretagne，andcometowardthemalongthebeach。TheFrenchman，followingthedirectionofhiseyes，sawheralso，andregardedherinstantlywithsuchevidentconcernthatGordon，whohadrecognizedherevenatthatdistanceastheCountessZara，feltassuredthathisinquisitorheld，ashehadalreadysuspected，morethanatourist’sinterestinTangier。
"Well，Iwillwishyouagood—morning，"saidtheFrenchman，hurriedly。
"Good—morning，"Gordonreplied，andtakingacigarfromhiscase，heseatedhimselfagainupontherampart。Ashewalkedawaythestrangerglancedbackoverhisshoulder，butGordonwasapparentlyabsorbedinwatchingthewavesbelowhim，andhadlostallinterestinhischanceacquaintance。ButhewatchedboththewomanandtheFrenchmanastheyadvancedslowlyfromoppositedirectionsanddrewnearertogether，andhewasnotaltogethersurprised，whentheinmanwaswithintwentyfeetofher，toseeherstartandstandstill，andthen，withtheindecisionofahuntedanimal，moveuncertainly，andthenturnandruninthedirectionofthehotel。Somethingthemanapparentlycalledafterhercausedhertostop，andGordonobservedthemnowwithundisguisedinterestastheystoodconversingtogether，obliviousoftheconspicuousmarktheymadeonthebroadwhitebeachunderthebrilliantsun。
"Iwonderwhathe’suptonow？"Gordonmused。"Hewastryingtopumpme，that’sevident，andhecertainlyrecognizedthelady，andsheapparentlydidnotwanttorecognizehim。I
wonderifheisarejectedlover，oranotherconspirator。
Thisisamostamusingplace，nothingbutplotsandcounterplotsand——Hello!"heexclaimedaloud。ThemanhadmovedquicklypastMadameZara，andhadstartedtowardthehotel，andZarahadheldoutherhandtohim，asthoughtoentreathimtoremain。Buthedidnotstop，andshehadtakenafewuncertainstepsafterhim，andhadthen，muchtotheAmerican’sdismay，fallenlimplyonherbackonthesoftsand。
Shewasnotahundredyardsdistantfromwherehesat，andinaninstanthehadslippedfromthewall，anddroppedonhishandsandkneesonthebeachbelow。WhenGordonreachedhertheFrenchmanhadreturned，andwassupportingherheadonhiskneeandcoveringherheadwithherparasol。
"Theladyhasfainted!"heexclaimed，eagerly。Hismannerwasnolongeroneofidleindolence。Hewaswideawakenowandvisiblyexcited。
"Thesunhasbeentoomuchforher，"hesaid。"Itismostdangerouswalkingaboutatthistimeofday。"
Gordonrandownthebeachandscoopedupsomewaterinhishelmet，anddippinghishandkerchiefinitbathedhertemplesandcheek。Hehadtimetonotethatshewasaverybeautifulgirl，andthepallorofherfacegaveitatouchofgentlenessthathehadnotseentherebefore。
"Iwillgotothehotelandbringassistance，saidthestranger，uneasily，asthewomanshowedsignsofregainingconsciousness。
"No，"saidGordon，"you’llstaywhereyouareandshadeherwithherumbrella。She’llbeallrightinaminute。"
Thegirlopenedhereyes，andlookingupsawGordonbendingoverher。Sheregardedhimforamomentandmadeanefforttorise，andinherendeavortodosohereyesmetthoseoftheFrenchman，andwithasharpmoansheshutthemagainandthrewherselffromGordon’skneetothesand。
"Givemethatumbrella，"saidGordon，"andgostandoverthereoutoftheway。"
Themanrosefromhiskneewithoutshowinganyresentmentandwalkedsomelittledistanceaway，wherehestoodwithhisarmsfolded，lookingouttosea。Heseemedmuchtoooccupiedwithsomethingofpersonalinteresttoconcernhimselfwithawoman’sfainting—spell。Thegirlliftedherselfslowlytoherelbow，andthen，beforeGordoncouldassisther，rosewithaquick，gracefulmovementandstooderectuponherfeet。SheplacedadetaininghandforaninstantontheAmerican’sarm。
"Thankyouverymuch，"shesaid。"IamafraidIhavebeenimprudentingoingoutintothesun。"HereyeswerefixedupontheFrenchman，whostoodmoodilystaringattheseaandtearingoneofhisfinger—nailswithhisteeth。Heseemedutterlyobliviousoftheirpresence。ThegirlheldoutherhandfortheparasolshehaddroppedandtookitfromGordonwithabow。
"MayIwalkbackwithyoutoyourhotel？"heasked。"Unlessthisgentleman————"
"Thankyou，"thegirlsaid，intoneswhichtheFrenchmancouldhaveeasilyoverheardhadhebeenlistening。"Iamquiteabletogoalonenow；itisonlyastep。"
ShewasstillregardingtheFrenchmanclosely；butashewasobviouslyunconsciousofthemshemovedsothatGordonhidherfromhim，andinanentirelydifferentvoiceshesaid，speakingrapidly，——
"YouareMr。Gordon，theAmericanwhojoineduslastnight。
ThatmanisaspyfromMessina。HeisRenauld，theCommander—in—Chiefoftheirarmy。Hemustbegottenawayfromhereatonce。Itisamatterforamantoattendto。Willyoudoit？"
"Howdoyouknowthis？"Gordonasked。"HowdoyouknowheisGeneralRenauld？Iwanttobecertain。"
Thegirltossedherheadimpatiently。
"HewaspointedouttomeatMessina。Isawhimthereincommandatareview。Hehasjustspokentome——thatwaswhatfrightenedmeintothatfainting—spell。Ididn’tthinkIwassoweak，"shesaid，shakingherhead。"Heofferedmeabribetoinformhimofourplans。Itellyouheisaspy。"
"That’sallright，"saidGordon，reassuringly；"yougobacktothehotelnowandsendthoseguardshereonarun。I’llmakeachargeagainsthimandhavehimlockedupuntilafterwesailto—night。Hurry，please；I’llstayhere。"
Gordonfeltapleasurableglowofexcitement。Itwashisnaturetothrowhimselfintoeverythinghedidandtoatoncebecomeapartisan。Itwasaqualitywhichmadehiswritingsattractivetothereader，andanobjectofconcerntohiseditor。Attheveryword"spy，"andatthisfirsthintofoppositiontothecauseinwhichhehadbutjustenlisted，hethrilledasthoughithadalwaysbeenhisown，andheregardedtheFrenchmanwithapersonaldislikeassuddenasitwasunfounded。
TheFrenchmanhadturnedandwaswalkinginthedirectionofthecitygate。Hiseyeswerebentonthesandybeachwhichstretchedbeforehim，andhemadehiswayutterlyunmindfulofthewavesthatstoleuptohisfeetandleftlittlepoolsofwaterinhispath。Gordonbeckonedimpatientlytothetwosoldierswhocamerunningtowardhimatthehotel，andmovedforwardtomeetthemthesooner。HetookoneofthembythewristandpointedwithhisotherhandattheretreatingfigureoftheFrenchman。
"Thatman，"hesaid，"isoneoftheKing’senemies。TheKingisindangerwhilethatmanishere。YourdutyistoprotecttheKing，sohegivesthisforeignerintoyourcharge。"
Thesoldiernoddedhisheadinassent。"TheKinghimselfsentus，"hereplied。
"YouwillplacehimintheCivilPrison，"Gordoncontinued，"untiltheKingissafeonhisyacht，andyouwillnotallowhimtosendfortheFrenchConsul—General。IfheseestheConsul—Generalhewilltellhimagreatmanyliesaboutyou，andagreatwar—shipwillcomeandyourBashawwillbeforcedtopaytheforeignersmuchmoney。Iwillgowithyouandtellthismaninhisowntonguewhatyouaregoingtodowithhim。"
TheywalkedhurriedlyaftertheFrenchman，andwhentheyhadovertakenhimGordonhaltedandbowed。
"Onemoment，please，"hesaid。"Thesesoldiershaveanorderforyourarrest。Ispeakthelanguage，andifyouhaveanythingtosaytothemIwillinterpretforyou。"
TheFrenchmanstaredfromGordontotheguardsandthenlaughedincredulouslybutwithnogreatconfidence。Hehadmuchtosay，buthedemandedtoknowfirstwhyheshouldbearrested。
"Theladyyouinsulted，"Gordonanswered，gravely，"happened，unfortunatelyforyou，tobeoneoftheKing’sguests。Shehascomplainedtohim，andhehassentthesesoldierstoputyouwhereyoucannottroubleheragain。Yousee，sir，youcannotannoywomenwithimpunityeveninthisbarbarouscountry。"
"Insulther!Ididnotinsulther，"themanretorted。"ThatisnotthereasonIamarrested。"
"Youannoyedhersomuchthatshefainted。Isawyou，"saidGordon，backingawaywiththeevidentpurposeofabandoningtheforeignertohisguards。
"Shehaslied，"themancried，"eithertotheKingortome。
Idonotknowwhich，butIamheretofindout。ThatiswhyI
cametoTangier，andIintendtolearnthetruth。"
"You’vebegunratherbadly，"Gordonanswered，ashestillretreated。"IntheCivilPrisonyourfieldofinvestigationwillbelimited。"
TheFrenchmantookahastysteptowardhim，shruggingoffthehandoneofthesoldiershadplacedonhisshoulder。
"AreyouthePrinceKalonay，sir？"hedemanded。"Butsurelynot，"headded。
"No，IamnotthePrince，"Gordonanswered。"Ibidyougood—morning，sir。"
"Thenyouareontheotherside，"themancalledafterhimeagerly，withatoneofgreatrelief。"Ihavebeenrightfromtheveryfirst。Iseeitplainly。Itisadoubleplot，andyouareoneofthatwoman’sdupes。Listentome——Ibegofyou，listentome——Ihaveastorytotell。"
Gordonpausedandlookedbackatthemanoverhisshoulder，doubtfully。
"It’sliketheArabianNights，"hesaid，withapuzzledsmile。
"TherewasoncearichmerchantofBagdadandtheSultanwasgoingtoexecutehim，buttheyputofftheexecutionuntilhecouldtellthemthestoryoftheBeautifulCountessandtheFrenchEnvoy。Iamsorry，"headded，shakinghishead，"butI
cannotlistennow。Imustnotbeseentalkingtoyouatall，andeveryonecanseeushere。"
Theywereasconspicuousfiguresontheflatsurfaceofthebeachastwopalmsinadesert，andGordonwasmostanxioustoescape，forhewasconsciousthathecouldbeobservedfromeverypointinthetown。Ahundredyardsaway，ontheterraceofthehotel，hesawtheKing，MadameZara，Barrat，andErhauptstandingtogetherwatchingthem。
"IftheAmericanleaveshimnow，wearesafe，"theKingwassaying。Hespokeinawhisper，asthoughhefearedthatevenatthatdistanceGordonandtheFrenchmancouldoverhearhiswords。"Butifheremainswithhimhewillfindoutthetruth，andthatmeansruin。Hewillruinus。"
"Look，heiscomingthisway，"Zaraanswered。"Heisleavinghim。Thedangerispast。"
TheFrenchmanraisedhiseyesandsawthefourfiguresgroupedcloselytogetherontheterrace。
"See，whatdidItellyou？"hecried。"SheiswiththeKingnow。Itisaplotwithinaplot，andIbelieveyouknowit，"
headded，furiously。"Youareoneofthesebraveblackmailersyourself——thatiswhyyouwillnotletmespeak。"
"Blackmailers!"saidGordon。"Confoundyourimpudence，whatthedevildoyoumeanbythat？"
ButtheFrenchmanwasstaringangrilyatthedistantgroupontheterrace，andGordonturnedhiseyesinthesamedirection。
Somethinghesawinthestrainedandeagerattitudeofthefourconspiratorsmovedhimtoasuddendetermination。
"Thatwilldo，youmustgo，"hecommanded，pointingwithhisarmtowardthecitygate；andbeforetheFrenchmancouldreply，hegaveanordertotheguards，andtheyseizedtheforeignerroughlybyeitherarmandhurriedhimaway。
"ThankGod!"exclaimedtheKing，piously。"Theyhaveseparated，andtheboythinksheisrenderingusgreatservice。Well，andsoheis，theyoungfool。"
Thegrouponthepiazzaremainedmotionless，watchingGordonasheleisurelylitacigarandstoodlookingoutattheharboruntiltheFrenchmanhaddisappearedinsidethecitywall。Thenheturnedandwalkedslowlyafterhim。
"Idonotlikethat。Idonotlikehisfollowinghim，"saidBarrat，suspiciously。