"I don't want to talk about him," said Beverly, but she was disappointed

when the princess obligingly changed the subject.

Baldos was not surprised, scarcely more than interested, when a day or

two later, he was summoned to appear before the board of strategy. If

anyone had told him, however, that on a recent night a pair of dreamy

gray eyes had tried to find his window in the great black shadow, he

might have jumped in amazement and--delight. For at that very hour he

was looking off toward the castle, and his thoughts were of the girl who

drew back into the shadow of the pillar.

The Graustark ministry had received news from the southern

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frontier. Messengers came in with the alarming and significant report

that Dawsbergen was strengthening her fortifications in the passes and

moving war supplies northward. It meant that Gabriel and his people

expected a fight and were preparing for it. Count Halfont hastily called

the ministers together, and Lorry and the princess took part in their

deliberations. General Marlanx represented the army; and it was he who

finally asked to have Baldos brought before the council. The Iron Count

plainly intimated that the new guard was in a position to transmit

valuable information to the enemy. Colonel Quinnox sent for him, and

Baldos was soon standing in the presence of Yetive and her advisers. He

looked about him with a singular smile. The one whom he was supposed to

regard as the princess was not in the council chamber. Lorry opened the

examination at the request of Count Halfont, the premier. Baldos quietly

answered the questions concerning his present position, his age, his

term of enlistment, and his interpretations of the obligations required

of him.

"Ask him who he really is," suggested the Iron Count sarcastically.

"We can expect but one answer to that question," said Lorry, "and that

is the one which he chooses to give."

"My name is Baldos--Paul Baldos," said the guard, but he said it in such

a way that no one could mistake his appreciation of the fact that he

could give one name as well as another and still serve his own purposes.

"That is lie number one," observed Marlanx loudly. Every eye was turned

upon Baldos, but his face did not lose its half-mocking expression of

serenity.

"Proceed with the examination, Mr. Lorry" said Count Halfont,

interpreting a quick glance from Yetive.

"Are you willing to answer any and all questions we may ask in

connection with your observations since you became a member of the

castle guard?" asked Lorry.

"I am."

"Did you take especial care to study the interior of the fortress when

you were there several days ago?"

"I did."

"Have you discussed your observations with anyone since that time?"

"I have."

"With whom?"

"With her highness, the princess," said Baldos, without a quiver. There

was a moment's silence, and furtive looks were cast in the direction of

Yetive, whose face was a study. Almost instantaneously the entire body

of listeners understood that he referred to Beverly Calhoun. Baldos felt

that he had been summoned before the board at the instigation of his

fair protectress.




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