Beverly and the princess exchanged glances in which consternation was
difficult to conceal. It was clear to Beverly that Yetive had not told
her husband of the escape.
"I don't know anything about Baldos," she answered steadily. "Last night
someone shot at him in the park."
"The deuce you say!"
"In order to protect him until you returned, Gren, I had him transferred
to guard duty inside the castle," explained the princess." It really
seemed necessary. General Marlanx expects to present formal charges
against him this morning, so I suppose we shall have to put him in irons
for a little while. It seems too bad, doesn't it, Gren?"
"Yes. He's as straight as a string, I'll swear," said Lorry
emphatically.
"I'll bet he wishes he were safely out of this place," ventured Anguish,
and two young women busied themselves suddenly with their coffee.
"The chance is he's sorry he ever came into it," said Lorry
tantalizingly.
While they were waiting for Marlanx the young Duke of Mizrox was
announced. The handsome Axphainian came with relief and dismay
struggling for mastery in his face.
"Your highness," he said, after the greetings, "I am come to inform you
that Graustark has one prince less to account for. Axphain has found her
fugitive."
"When?" cried the princess and Beverly in one voice and with astonishing
eagerness, not unmixed with dismay.
"Three days ago," was the reply.
"Oh," came in deep relief from Beverly as she sank back into her
chair. The same fear had lodged in the hearts of the two fair
conspirators--that they had freed Baldos only to have him fall into the
hands of his deadliest foes.
"I have a message by courier from my uncle in Axphain," said Mizrox. "He
says that Frederic was killed near Labbot by soldiers, after making a
gallant fight, on last Sunday night. The Princess Volga is rejoicing,
and has amply rewarded his slayers. Poor Frederic! He knew but little
happiness, in this life."
There was a full minute of reflection before any of his hearers
expressed the thought that had framed itself in every mind.
"Well, since Dantan and Frederic are accounted for, Baldos is absolutely
obliged to be Christobal," said Anguish resignedly.
"He's just Baldos," observed Beverly, snuffing out the faint hope that
had lingered so long. Then she said to herself: "And I don't care,
either. I only wish he were back here again. I'd be a good deal nicer to
him."
Messengers flew back and forth, carrying orders from the castle to
various quarters. The ministers were called to meet at twelve
o'clock. Underneath all the bustle there was a tremendous impulse of
American cunning, energy and resourcefulness. Everyone caught the
fever. Reserved old diplomats were overwhelmed by their own enthusiasm;
custom-bound soldiers forgot the hereditary caution and fell into the
ways of the new leaders without a murmur. The city was wild with
excitement, for all believed that the war was upon them. There was but
one shadow overhanging the glorious optimism of Graustark--the ugly,
menacing attitude of Axphain. Even the Duke of Mizrox could give no
assurance that his country would remain neutral.