the future. At the same time I felt that he
alone could guide us in that hour of peril.

"Sorcerer," I cried, "for the love of Lyone, for the glory of our
cause, tell me what to do! What shall I say to the queen? How shall I
advise her to act for her own safety as well as ours?"

"Do not advise at all," said he. "Let the queen act for herself, and
that will be the best solution of the difficulty."

"But should she insist on sacrificing herself, where would be our
triumph?"

"The triumph will be assured," said he, "although to win our cause
will require the greatest sacrifice to be made."

I began to think that Lyone and the sorcerer understood each other,
and that her life would in any case be saved from the violence of
death; and, taking this hopeful view of the situation, I departed for
Calnogor, escorted by Flathootly and the astronomer.

As we swept toward the metropolis of Atvatabar I wondered if I would
be permitted to make the journey in safety. Was the passport of the
king but a _ruse de guerre_ to entrap me?

I noticed here and there, as we neared the city, detachments of the
royal wayleals, some suspended in the air, and others being drilled
in globular masses in anticipation of the coming struggle.

When within ten miles of Calnogor a party of scouts intercepted us,
who demanded to see our passports. The leader examined the royal
decree with great minuteness, and only allowed us to proceed with
apparent reluctance. I had reason to fear treachery, as I had but
lately fought my way out of the country.

At length arriving above the royal fortress, we rapidly descended to
the court-yard and inquired for the governor.

With what feelings of excitement I awaited my interview with Lyone! In
what state would I find her, and how would she solve the riddle, a
destiny that seemed impossible of solution?

The governor, accompanied by his armed staff, approached me, declaring
how glad he was to be able to permit an interview with Lyone. His
manner was altogether too suspiciously cheerful, and his body-guard
surrounded us closely.

I hastened to assure the governor that my visit was made under the
protection of the king, and showed him the royal decree. "I have
come," I said, "to have an interview with her majesty upon the crisis,
and that being accomplished, the royal mandate will secure me a free
departure to Kioram."

"You can certainly see the ex-goddess," said the governor, "but you
have no right to a