ere was no one in the dimly-lighted chapel,
so they made their way to the door at the opposite end. The great organ
looked down upon them and Lorry expected every instant to hear it burst
forth in sounds of thunder. It seemed alive and watching their movements
reproachfully. Before unlocking the door, the captain pointed to a lance
which stood against the wall near by.

"You are to carry that lance," he said, briefly. Then he cautiously
peered forth. A moment later they were in the broad hall, boldly
striding toward the distant stairway. Lorry had been instructed
to proceed without the least sign of timidity. They passed several
attendants in the hall and heard Count Halfont's voice in conversation
with some one in an ante-room. As they neared the broad steps who should
come tripping down but Harry Anguish. He saluted Quinnox and walked
rapidly down the corridor, evidently taking his departure after a call
on the Countess.

"There goes your hostage," said the captain, grimly. It had required all
of Lorry's self-possession to restrain the cry of joyful recognition.
Up the staircase they went, meeting several ladies and gentlemen coming
down, and were soon before the apartments of the Princess. A tall guard
stood in front of the boudoir door.

"This is your relief, Bassot. You may go," said Quinnox, and, with a
careless glance at the strange soldier, the sick man trudged off down
the hall, glad to seek his bed.

"Is she there?" whispered Lorry, dizzy and faint with expectancy.

"Yes. This may mean your death and mine, sir, but you would do it. Will
you explain to her how I came to play her false?"

"She shall know the truth, good friend."

"After I have gone twenty paces down the hall, do you rap on the door.
She may not admit you at first, but do not give up. If she bid you enter
or asks your mission, enter quickly and close the door. It is unlocked.
She may swoon, or scream, and you must prevent either if possible. In an
hour I shall return and you must go back to the passage."

"Never! I have come to save her and her country, and I intend to do so
by surrendering myself this very night."

"I had hoped to dissuade you. But, sir, you cannot do so to-night. You
forget that this visit compromises her."

"True. I had forgotten. Well, I'll go back with you, but to-morrow I am
your prisoner, not your friend."

"Be careful," cautioned the captain as he moved away. Lorry feverishly
tapped his knuckles on the panel