"I don't want to talk about him," said Beverly, but she was disappointed
when the princess obligingly changed the subject.
Baldos was not surprised, scarcely more than interested, when a day or
two later, he was summoned to appear before the board of strategy. If
anyone had told him, however, that on a recent night a pair of dreamy
gray eyes had tried to find his window in the great black shadow, he
might have jumped in amazement and--delight. For at that very hour he
was looking off toward the castle, and his thoughts were of the girl who
drew back into the shadow of the pillar.
The Graustark ministry had received news from the southern
frontier. Messengers came in with the alarming and significant report
that Dawsbergen was strengthening her fortifications in the passes and
moving war supplies northward. It meant that Gabriel and his people
expected a fight and were preparing for it. Count Halfont hastily called
the ministers together, and Lorry and the princess took part in their
deliberations. General Marlanx represented the army; and it was he who
finally asked to have Baldos brought before the council. The Iron Count
plainly intimated that the new guard was in a position to transmit
valuable information to the enemy. Colonel Quinnox sent for him, and
Baldos was soon standing in the presence of Yetive and her advisers. He
looked about him with a singular smile. The one whom he was supposed to
regard as the princess was not in the council chamber. Lorry opened the
examination at the request of Count Halfont, the premier. Baldos quietly
answered the questions concerning his present position, his age, his
term of enlistment, and his interpretations of the obligations required
of him.
"Ask him who he really is," suggested the Iron Count sarcastically.
"We can expect but one answer to that question," said Lorry, "and that
is the one which he chooses to give."
"My name is Baldos--Paul Baldos," said the guard, but he said it in such
a way that no one could mistake his appreciation of the fact that he
could give one name as well as another and still serve his own purposes.
"That is lie number one," observed Marlanx loudly. Every eye was turned
upon Baldos, but his face did not lose its half-mocking expression of
serenity.
"Proceed with the examination, Mr. Lorry" said Count Halfont,
interpreting a quick glance from Yetive.
"Are you willing to answer any and all questions we may ask in
connection with your observations since you became a member of the
castle guard?" asked Lorry.
"I am."
"Did you take especial care to study the interior of the fortress when
you were there several days ago?"
"I did."
"Have you discussed your observations with anyone since that time?"
"I have."
"With whom?"
"With her highness, the princess," said Baldos, without a quiver. There
was a moment's silence, and furtive looks were cast in the direction of
Yetive, whose face was a study. Almost instantaneously the entire body
of listeners understood that he referred to Beverly Calhoun. Baldos felt
that he had been summoned before the board at the instigation of his
fair protectress.