hall find an empty country, a
blackened chaos of ruins."

An answering flash of enthusiasm lit up Brand's face for a moment. But
the man was practical to the core.

"What number of trained men can you rely upon?" he asked.

"Fifteen thousand," the King answered. "I know every village company.
Every regiment I have drilled myself. They have old Martinis, but they
are born shots, and born horsemen. Lately, too, we have gone through a
course of carbine instruction. I could put five thousand mounted
infantry into the field who could surprise you."

"And artillery?"

The King groaned.

"We have done what we could," he answered, "but as for heavy guns, we
have none. Listen, I will give you a sketch of my idea for defending
the Balkans."

The King talked quickly and clearly. There was no more trace of the
enthusiast, nor, indeed, did he betray again during all the anxious
days to come that more passionate side of the man which Brand's few
words seemed to have quickened into life. He talked now as the cool
and skilful strategist. Brand, who was something of an amateur soldier
himself, listened with keen interest.

"And you?" the King asked at last.

Brand smiled.

"I am here to see that the things which are coming are fairly reported
from one quarter, at least," he answered. "I am going to stay, and if
the trouble comes I am correspondent for the _New York Herald_, as
well as the _Daily Courier_."

"That is very good news," the King said. "England and America are the
champions of freedom throughout the world. I have fought for England,
and if this wrong is done to me I shall appeal to her for justice."

A knock at the door. A young officer on the King's staff saluted.

"His Excellency the Turkish Ambassador craves the privilege of an
immediate audience," he announced.

CHAPTER XXVIII

Effenden Pascha was breathless, and for such a phlegmatic individual
seemed to be much disturbed.

"Your Majesty," he said, "I am here on a serious errand."

The King bowed.

"Proceed, Effenden Pascha."

"Your Majesty has heard the news from Bekal?"

Ughtred shook his head.

"I have heard nothing!"

The Turk raised his hands. It was incredible!

"Yesterday," he announced, "a party of my Turks riding harmlessly
along the frontier were attacked without warning by a large company of
mounted Thetians, and cut to pieces."

"It is amazing," the King declared. "Was no provocation given? Were
the Turks unarmed?"