"I do hope he'll not always act this way," she was complaining in her

thoughts. "He was so charmingly impudent out in the hills, so

deliciously human. Now he is like a clam. Yetive will think I am such a

fool if he doesn't live up to the reputation I've given him!"

"Here are the gates," he said, half to himself. "What is there in store

for me beyond those walls?"

"Oh, I wish you wouldn't be so dismal," she cried in despair. "It seems

just like a funeral."

"A thousand apologies, your highness," he murmured, with a sudden

lightness of speech and manner. "Henceforth I shall be a most amiable

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jester, to please you."

Beverly and the faithful Aunt Fanny were driven to the castle, where the

former bade farewell to her new knight until the following morning, when

he was to appear before her for personal instructions. Colonel Quinnox

escorted him to the barracks of the guards where he was to share a room

with young Haddan, a corporal in the service.

"The wild, untamed gentleman from the hills came without a word, I see,"

said Lorry, who had watched the approach. He and Yetive stood in the

window overlooking the grounds from the princess's boudoir, Beverly had

just entered and thrown herself upon a divan.

"Yes, he's here," she said shortly.

"How long do you, with all your cleverness, expect to hoodwink him into

the belief that you are the princess?" asked Yetive, amused but anxious.

"He's a great fool for being hoodwinked at all," said Beverly, very much

at odds with her protege. "In an hour from now he will know the truth

and will be howling like a madman for his freedom."

"Not so soon as that, Beverly," said Lorry consolingly. "The guards and

officers have their instructions to keep him in the dark as long as

possible."

"Well, I'm tired and mad and hungry and everything else that isn't

compatible. Let's talk about the war," said Beverly, the sunshine in her

face momentarily eclipsed by the dark cloud of disappointment.

Baldos was notified that duty would be assigned to him in the

morning. He went through the formalities which bound him to the service

for six months, listening indifferently to the words that foretold the

fate of a traitor. It was not until his hew uniform and equipment came

into his possession that he remembered the note resting in his

pocket. He drew it out and began to read it with the slight interest of

one who has anticipated the effect. But not for long was he to remain

apathetic. The first few lines brought a look of understanding to his

eyes; then he laughed the easy laugh of one who has cast care and

confidence to the winds. This is what he read: "She is not the princess. We have been duped. Last night I learned the

truth. She is Miss Calhoun, an American, going to be a guest at the

castle. Refuse to go with her into Edelweiss. It may be a trap and may

mean death. Question her boldly before committing yourself."




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