Both Yetive and Beverly experienced an amazing sense of relief. They did
not stop to consider why or how he had returned to the castle
grounds. It was sufficient that he was actually there, sound, well, and
apparently satisfied.
"I dare say Count Marlanx will withdraw his infamous charge against our
guest," said Lorry, with deadly directness. Marlanx was mopping his damp
forehead. His eyes were fastened upon the figure of the guard, and there
was something like awe in their steely depths. It seemed to him that the
supernatural had been enlisted against him.
"He left the castle last night," he muttered, half to himself.
"There seems to be no doubt of that," agreed Gaspon, the grand
treasurer. "Colonel Quinnox reports his strange disappearance." Clearly
the case was a puzzling one. Men looked at one another in wonder and
uneasiness.
"I think I understand the situation," exclaimed Marlanx, suddenly
triumphant. "It bears out all that I have said. Baldos left the castle
last night, as I have sworn, but not for the purpose of escaping. He
went forth to carry Information to our enemies. Can anyone doubt that he
is a spy? Has he not returned to carry out his work? And now, gentlemen,
I ask you--would he return unless he felt secure of protection here?"
It was a facer, Yetive and Beverly felt as though a steel trap suddenly
had been closed down upon them. Lorry and Anguish were undeniably
disconcerted. There was a restless, undecided movement among the
ministers.
"Colonel Quinnox, will you fetch Baldos to the verandah at once?" asked
Lorry, his quick American perception telling him that immediate action
was necessary. "It is cooler out there." He gave Beverly a look of
inquiry. She flushed painfully, guiltily, and he was troubled in
consequence.
"As a mere subject, I demand the arrest of this man," Marlanx was saying
excitedly. "We must go to the bottom of this hellish plot to injure
Graustark."
"My dear count," said Anguish, standing over him, "up to this time we
have been unable to discern any reasons for or signs of the treachery
you preach about. I don't believe we have been betrayed at all."
"But I have absolute proof, sir," grated the count.
"I'd advise you to produce it. We must have something to work on, you
know."
"What right have you to give advice, sir? You are not one of us. You are
a meddler--an impertinent alien. Your heart is not with Graustark, as
mine is. How long must we endure the insolence of these Americans?"
The count was fuming with anger. As might have been expected, the
easy-going Yankees laughed unreservedly at his taunt. The princess was
pale with indignation.
"Count Marlanx, you will confine your remarks to the man whom you have
charged with treachery," she said. "You have asked for his arrest, and
you are to be his accuser. At the proper time you will produce the
proof. I warn you now that if you do not sustain these charges, the
displeasure of the crown will fall heavily upon you."