answered.

He laughed. "A none-battle war, you mean."

And so it proved. When we landed it was to find that Germany had
offered to mediate, and that, while the two Kingdoms were thinking it
over, a truce had been declared. Consequently, instead of hurrying
straight to the Valerian army, I journeyed leisurely with Courtney to
the capital. There the first news that met us was that Germany's
mediation had been accepted and that the war was at an end--for the
present, at least.

So, once again, had the Powers, in the interest of European peace,
struck up the swords.

As we drove from the station to the Embassy we observed flags flying
from almost every house, and that the public buildings were lavishly
decorated.

"Peace seems to be well received," I remarked.

"It's the King's birthday," Courtney answered.

"And a very happy one, I fancy."

Courtney stared at me. "How so?" he said.

"He can now both keep his daughter and be rid of Murdol."

"The Princess is saved, of course, but in deference to the national
self-respect, he dare give up Murdol only in one contingency:--if Titia
can be persuaded to pay a money value for it. Which I doubt."

I said nothing. I, too, doubted.

"However, it's not important to us," said he. "Whatever the outcome
the lady will be here long enough for you to lose the wager."

"Damn the wager," I exclaimed.

"Damn everything you have a mind to, my dear fellow," he encouraged.

"And you in particular," I said.

"Wherefore, my dear Major?" he laughed.

"For suggesting this fool thing."

"Poor boy! I should have regarded your youthful impetuosity."

I shrugged my shoulders.

"And grey hairs," he added.

"I've a mind to toss you out of the carriage," said I.

"Do it,--and save me the trouble of getting myself out," he answered;
and then we drew under the _porte cochere_ at the Embassy.

The matter of a residence had not bothered Courtney. He simply took
General Russell's lease off his hands, and twenty thousand a year rent
with it. I was to live at the Legation, there being no Ambassadorial
women folks to make the staff _de trop_. Naturally, I was quite
satisfied. It was a bit preferable to hotel hospitality. And, then,
the assistants were good fellows.

Cosgrove, who had been First Secretary for ten years, was from the
estate next my own on the Eastern Shore. It was through him I had been
able to preserve my incog. so securely during my former visits to