Part 25 (1/2)
”SIR,--I have the honour to enclose your pa.s.sport and safe conduct to the frontier of Theos. I have informed the Czar, your Imperial master, of the circ.u.mstances which render your further presence in my dominions displeasing to me.
(Signed) ”UGHTRED OF TYRNAUS,
”REX.”
Domiloff crushed the letter in his fingers.
”Well, sir?” he said to the officer. ”In the morning I will seek an audience of his Majesty.”
”I regret, sir,” the officer answered, ”that my orders allow me no lat.i.tude whatever. A special train is waiting, and my instructions are to escort you to the frontier.”
Domiloff drew the Turk on one side.
”Listen,” he said, ”this is a bold stroke. I half expected it. Ughtred of Tyrnaus has courage at least. I go straight to St. Petersburg. I will give pledges of what I have promised to your Minister there.”
Effenden Pascha bowed. He was most uncomfortable, but there was a certain pleasure in witnessing the discomfiture of the wily Russian.
”I shall await your news,” he answered.
Domiloff and his escort departed. Effenden Pascha at once undressed, sent for his physician and sought his bed. Before morning Theos knew of the sudden attack of malignant fever which had most unfortunately laid hold of him at the moment of starting to attend the reception at the palace.
CHAPTER XXI
Ughtred slackened his reins about his horse's neck, and turning round, called to Brand, who was sitting a few yards away making some rapid sketches. The King's cheeks were flushed with colour, and his eyes were bright.
”What do you think of that, Brand?” he asked, proudly.
He pointed to where a cloud of dust hung round the last company of galloping Thetians. The roll of the drums and the shrill music of the fifes still reached them.
”They are born hors.e.m.e.n, and born soldiers, your Majesty,” Brand answered, with enthusiasm. ”I only wish that there were more of them.”
Ughtred smiled.
”The mountains are our chief protection,” he said, with a little wave of his arm. ”The pa.s.ses through which men could be poured into Theos are narrow, and for defensive purposes a small, perfectly-trained army is sometimes as useful as a large one. I am proud of my army, Brand.”
”You have reason,” Brand answered. ”I am even now trying to make Europe understand what manner of men these are.”
General Dartnoff came galloping up.
”If your Majesty will ride now to Pinter's Pa.s.s,” he said, ”you will be able to trace the progress of the attack.”
The King and Brand rode off together, followed by his small bodyguard.
”Your people have said nothing yet about recalling you?” Ughtred asked.
”Nothing,” Brand answered. ”I think that Theos is still being watched with interest.”
”And you yourself?”