ur heads and be done with it?"

Thorndyke burst into a jovial laugh. "You are coming round all right;
that is the first joke you have got off since we came here; his royal
Nibs may need a court-jester and give you a job."

"There goes that blamed sunlight again," exclaimed Johnston, grasping
his companion's arm, "don't you see it changing?"

"Yes, and this time it is white, like old Sol's natural smile; but isn't
it clear? It seems to me that I could see to the end of the earth in
that light. I want to know how he does it."

"How who does it?"

"Why, the king, of course, it is his work--some sort of invention; but
we must keep civil tongues in our heads when we are dealing with a man
who can color the very light of the sun."

They were walking back toward the great rotunda, and, as they entered
the conservatory, the crowds of men and women stared at them curiously.
They had paused to inspect the statue of a massive stone dragon when a
young officer in glittering uniform approached and addressed Johnston.

"Follow me," he said simply; "it is the king's command."

The American started and looked at Thorndyke apprehensively.

"Go," said the latter; "don't hesitate an instant."

Poor Johnston had turned white. He held out his hand to Thorndyke,
"Shake," he said in a whisper, not intended for the ears of the officer,
"I don't believe that we shall meet again. I felt that we were to be
parted ever since that medical examination."

Thorndyke's face had altered; an angry flush came in his face and his
eyes flashed, but with an effort he controlled himself.

"Tut, tut, don't be silly. I shall wait for you round here; if there is
any foul play I shall make some one suffer for it. You can depend on me
to the end; we are hand in hand in this adventure, old man."

Chapter VII.

Johnston followed his guide to a flying machine outside. He hesitated
an instant, as the officer was holding the door open, and looked back
toward the conservatory; but he could not see Thorndyke.

"Where are you taking me?" he asked desperately. But the officer did not
seem to hear the question. He was motioning to a tall man of athletic
build who wore a dark blue uniform and who came hastily forward and
pushed the American into the machine. Through the open door Johnston saw
Thorndyke's anxious face as the Englishman emerged from the conservatory
and strode toward them. The two officers entered and closed the glass
door.

Then the mac