Fear is the master passion of
life. Even I, Countess, am in love with fear." And then with a laugh,
"We shall arrive in time if the tires hold. It is a good machine, a very
good machine."

Dawn stole slowly across the heavens between the mountain peaks, an opal
dawn, pale and luminous. Here and there objects defined themselves
against the velvety surfaces of the hills, a hut by the river brink, a
thread of smoke rising straight in the still air, a herdsman driving his
flock in a path across the valley. But Karl, the chauffeur, drove madly
on, more madly, it seemed, as the light grew better. People appeared as
if by magic upon the road, with loaded vehicles bound to
market--awe-stricken peasants, who leaped aside and then turned
wondering.

The machine climbed a mountain from which a vista of many miles of
country was spread out before them, but there was no sign of their
destination. Half-past eight--nine----! The roads became crowded again,
with vehicles, horsemen, footmen, and groups of soldiers, all traveling
in the same direction. Sarajevo was not far distant but they went at a
snail's pace, their nerves leaping in the reaction. Marishka, pallid
with fatigue, sat leaning forward in her seat, dumb with anxiety. Goritz
rubbed his chin thoughtfully. But he had not yet begun to despair.
Suddenly the car came to a turning in the road, and the Bosnian capital
was spread out at their feet. Goritz looked at his watch. It was nearly
ten. If the thing they dreaded had not yet come to pass there might
still be time. As they descended the hill into the valley of the
Miljacka, it was apparent that the town was in holiday attire. Flags
floated from many poles, and the streets and bridges were crowded with
people. At the direction of Captain Goritz, Karl drove quickly to the
railroad station, where a group of officials stood gesturing and talking
excitedly.

"Has His Highness gone into the city?" asked Goritz of the man nearest
him.

The fellow paused and turned at the sight of the Austrian uniform.

"Ah, Herr Lieutenant--you have not heard?"

"I have just come down from the hills. What is the matter?"

"A bomb has been thrown into the automobile of the Archduke----"

"He is killed?" asked Goritz, while Marishka leaned forward in horror.

"Fortunately, no. He cast the bomb into the street, but it exploded
under the vehicle of his escort, killing several, they say."

"She is safe--Her Highness is safe?" questioned Maris