olendorp, who happened to be the captain of his own squadron,
'that it is unusual to be obliged to act so carefully as we have been
advised to do in this case?'

Colendorp's dark face grew darker, but the honour of the Guard over-rode
all personal considerations.

'I have been hasty, Unziar,' he said in a stifled voice after a slight
pause.

Unziar bowed and continued as if the interlude with its covert allusions
had not taken place.

'It has been difficult to get at Rallywood this evening. Yet let us see
how he shoots before we conclude that he has any rooted objection to
handling a pistol. I agree with Captain Colendorp, that the affair
should be brought off to-night. I will go and find the Englishman.'

He had already walked towards the broad arched doorway, when among the
palms and the hangings which shrouded it two men appeared. One was
Counsellor, in his blazing red uniform, beside him Rallywood's tall
figure, clad in soft brown tones of velveteen, looked almost black.

Behind them again appeared other faces.

Rallywood took in the meaning of the situation at a glance. Without any
perceptible pause he held out his hand to Counsellor.

'Well, good-bye, Major, since you are going. I will turn up to-morrow as
early as I can,' he said.

Counsellor understood also. In his position it was impossible to do
anything for Rallywood. As an agent secretly accredited by the Court of
St. James's, he must hold aloof and neutral in all personal quarrels. He
appreciated the tact with which Rallywood dismissed him from a scene
which promised to be distinctly awkward, but his hand itched to shoot
down the flower of the Guard of Maasau for the insolence that dared to
doubt the worthiness of an Englishman of birth to hold a place among
them.

'Good-bye, Rallywood,' he said gruffly, and turned on his heel to find
himself face to face with Baron von Elmur and one or two officers of the
Frontier Cavalry.

'There is about to be a storm, Major, observed Elmur, passing Counsellor
with a cool nod.

'So it seems. A storm in a teacup!' retorted the Major derisively.

Meanwhile Rallywood, with the men of the Cavalry, his old
brother-officers, behind him, advanced to meet Unziar.

'We of the Guard are hoping to break glasses with you gentlemen of the
Cavalry before the night is over,' began Unziar, alluding to a fashion
amongst the military contingent in Maasau of taking wine together and
breaking the glasses afterwards as a si