ly their eyes met. A sharp word of
command broke from his lips. He dismounted and crossed the street
towards them, drawing off his heavy white gloves as he came.

"Welcome!" he cried. "Welcome to Theos."

He took Sara's hands in his and held them tightly.

"This," he said, "is charming of you. One moment!"

He beckoned to the officer who had been riding by his side, and gave a
few brief orders. The troop passed on. Reist and a younger man in dark
riding-clothes remained.

"If you will allow me," Ughtred said, "I will take a cup of coffee
with you. There is a garden here, I believe."

The hotel proprietor came hurrying out. Reist explained what was
required. They made their way into a semi-public garden, which was
instantly cleared of chance loiterers. A table was set in a shady
corner.

"Mr. Van Decht," Ughtred said, "I must shake hands with you. You are
most welcome. I appreciate your coming here immensely."

"My daughter," Mr. Van Decht explained, "has been set upon this trip
ever since your friend Brand began his letters upon Theos in the
_Daily Courier_. They have been very widely read, sir. We must
congratulate you upon having taken hold of your kingdom so firmly."

"You are very good," Ughtred answered. "Brand has been a God-send to
us. The position here has been fairly represented to England, and, in
fact, Europe, through his reports. He, too, will be delighted to see
you again. Miss Van Decht, you must allow me to present Captain
Hartzan of the Artillery--the Duke of Reist you already know. Now,
when did you arrive?"

"Last night," Sara answered. "That dear little train of yours brought
us from the frontier. We scarcely expected to see you so soon."

"It is my great good-fortune," Ughtred answered. "I go every morning
to the fortifications to direct the artillery practice. The Van Decht
battery has been in action this morning," he added, smiling.

"I presume, sir, that this is a warlike country!" Mr. Van Decht
remarked.

A shadow crept over the King's face.

"It is not our choice," he answered. "We are surrounded by dangerous
enemies, and we are a very small nation. Our security depends solely
upon our readiness to resist attack. For these last two months I have
had to forget that I am a King, and remember only that I am
Commander-in-Chief of our little army."

"I presume that you are not anticipating any immediate trouble, sir?"
Mr. Van Decht asked.

The King glanced round. Already he was l