Part 43 (1/2)

”Why not?”

”I cannot talk easily in a carriage,” he answered, with a glance which I understood to mean that he had strong reasons he preferred not to explain.

I said no more until we reached his house and he took me into his library.

”I cannot give you more than one minute, and therefore cannot wait to hear your story. I have pressing matters that will keep me all the afternoon.”

”I have no clothes, your Excellency,” I cried, with a little affectation of dismay.

”Which means you wish to go out in order to carry on the scheme with which your busy little brains are full. You cannot go out, Christabel--I have said that you will remain here. Understand that, please.” He spoke almost sternly; but the twinkle came into his eyes as he turned away and added: ”As for your clothes, I had thought of that difficulty, and I told that American servant of yours to call here this afternoon on the chance that you might need him.”

I laughed and was running out of the room, saying I would go and find the girls and tell them I had come to spend the rest of the day with them, when I stopped and went back to him. ”I haven't thanked you,” I said.

”It is not to me that any thanks are due--but the Stars and Stripes.

They gave us the mate.”

”But it was you who made the move; and it is you I thank.”

”The game is not finished yet, Christabel. We'll wait for that.”

”I see the combination that will win it.”

He took my hand and pressed it. ”You deserve to win; but the stakes are almost tragically high, child.”

”In chess there is always a king without a throne.”

CHAPTER XXII

COLONEL KATONA SPEAKS

I wrote a short note to Colonel Katona saying that circ.u.mstances prevented my going to his house that day; but that I had something important to say to him, and wished him to come to me to General von Erlanger's at once.

Next, an equally brief one to Karl:

”DEAR FRIEND,

”I cannot keep my word to see you to-day. I have been compelled to come here, to General von Erlanger's house, and must remain until to-morrow. But to-morrow I shall see you. Please me by staying where you are until then. Colonel Katona is coming here, and will bring you a message from me saying where we can meet to-morrow. I am sure you will do this as you have done so much 'for her sake.'

CHRISTABEL VON DRESCHLER.”

Then a letter to Gareth followed:

”I am now confident that I shall have great news for you to-morrow. I have been working hard for you all the time, and success is in sight.

But we cannot gain it unless you will now do your part and help me in all my plans for to-morrow. I wish you to remain in your room to-morrow morning, and not to leave it under any pretext whatever, until I myself come to you. You will of course be very curious to know the reason for this: we women can't help that. And I will explain it all to-morrow. You have trusted me so far. Trust me in this also--for I tell you frankly that if you do not, everything even at the last moment may be ruined. Keep a brave heart, for I am very hopeful happiness is in sight for you.

”Ever your friend, ”CHRISTABEL.”

Lastly I drew up a concise statement of the whole facts of the case, giving as full details as were necessary to enable any one to understand it clearly, as well as my position in regard to it. This was for James Perry to take to the American Consul if any danger threatened me. I took this step, not because I doubted my friend the General, but lest he should find his wish to help me thwarted by those above him.