ustave's word, we are safe. He is too proud to own that
he gave it unwillingly. Besides, so long as we win what matter the means
we use? Is your conscience so ticklish, Baron?'

'Politics have their exigencies and are inevitably rigorous, my lord,'
answered Elmur slowly. 'To be successful means absolution. In the
political courts where our actions will be judged they make no provision
for failure. Success is recognised and mercifully considered, while
failure, my lord, not being in any sense public, falls to the level of
ordinary crime, and is judged by the standard applied to ordinary crime.
Thus you will see that I risk as much in my place as you risk in yours.'
Perhaps this was as near an approach to a threat as had ever been
uttered in the ears of the fierce old Count. With a violent movement,
he stepped forward.

'There is no hindrance in our path that cannot be cut through with a
sword, and, by my soul, if we find one I will cut it!' Then, looking
round, he gave the word to advance, and entered the darkness of the
corridor.

A turn brought them in sight of Unziar's tall figure, standing sword in
hand on the lowest step of the flight that led up to the embrasure
covering the door leading to the royal apartments.

Count Simon pushed Elmur ahead of him while he fell back to whisper a
few words to the man immediately behind; then he took precedence once
more.

'I request an audience of His Highness, Lieutenant Unziar,' he said.

'Certainly, my lord, if you will give me the password of the night,'
replied Unziar.

Sagan's answer was the countersign he had given to his own following in
the Castle.

Unziar shook his head.

'You cannot pass, my lord.'

'What--not see my guest and cousin in my own house?'

'His Highness gave orders that none should be allowed to enter without
giving the countersign chosen by himself.'

Sagan considered a second or two.

'True, I had forgotten. Come here, Unziar; your trooper there has long
ears; I must speak with you. Stand back, men!' he said roughly. 'Baron
von Elmur, pray remain, and you, Hern,' addressing the man behind.
Unziar still stood upon the step.

'Come here! I tell you, man, I must see the Duke to-night--at once,'
continued Sagan approaching Unziar. 'What the devil are you afraid of?'
Unziar stepped down as the Count pulled him confidentially nearer to
himself and towards the narrow entry. But while the Count whispered, a
hand suddenly darted over his should