Good day, your highness; good day, Count Sarnya."

The older man nodded; the young man merely turned his back and walked toward the sideboard, where he poured himself a stiff drink. As the door closed behind Meyer, he gulped it down. "I want to get a bad taste out of my mouth," he snapped; then he wheeled suddenly on the older man. "I thought you told me that it was to be only the old man; you were to be regent if anything happened to him. I didn't know you were going to murder the boy, too."

"Stop!" commanded Otto. "You are overwrought; you don't know what you're saying. I am going to murder no one-that is a nasty word. You know I have had nothing to do with this. They are going to do what they are going to do. No one can stop them. Can I help if it they have offered to make me king? What would have happened had I refused? They'd kill me, too; and Meyer could be dictator. I have had to do it to save the life of my dynasty for my country and my people!"

"Don't get heroic, Otto," said Sarnya. "I think I'll take another drink-I need another."

The morning sun was pouring through the east windows of the palace, presaging a perfect day, as Count Jagst entered the room in answer to the king's summons.

"Look at this, Jagst," said the old king, passing a paper to his chief of staff. "I found it on the floor just under the corridor door as I came in from my quarters."

General Count Jagst took the paper and opened it-a single sheet of note paper on which was typed: "For God's sake, Your Majesty, don't ride out today."

"Who's officer of the guard today?" asked the king. "Someone must have seen who slipped that paper under the door."

"I don't know," said Jagst. "I'll find out." He touched a button, and when a secretary came in response he told him to summon the officer of the guard.

"They're closing in on us, Jagst," said the king. "I don't care for myself-I'm old and tired-but Michael; he's such a little fellow to shoulder all this-and the intrigue and the constant danger to his life. Otto will be regent. That will be bad for the country. Otto never had good sense, and into the bargain he's a damned traitor. If he hadn't been my brother I'd have had him shot years ago-he has deserved it; always plotting against me, working with all my enemies. If anything happens to me, Jagst, take Michael out of the country until things quiet down. If he's needed and wanted, bring him back. That's what the poor little devil will have to pay for being born in line of succession to a throne. The best I can wish for him is that they won't want him. Take him out of Europe, Jagst; and don't let anyone know where you are taking him. They got his father; and if they ever get me, they'll go after him next."

There was a knock on the door. The king nodded to Jagst.

"Come in!" said the chief of staff.

Captain Count Sarnya entered and saluted. "You sent for me, Sir?" He stood very erect, looking the king straight in the eyes.

"Yes, Sarnya," said the monarch. "I found a note that had been slipped under the corridor door, when I came in just now.