The Lighted Match

No answer came to Benton's tongue. Pagratide did not seem to expect one.

After a moment he went on, with the manner of one who had thought out

what he was to say, and who compels himself to go through with the

prepared recital.

"If there is no throne, I must eliminate myself.... But for the time

being I have given Von Ritz my parole.... The game is not yet quite

played out.... He and Cara agree that I must play it to the end. After

that there will be time to remedy mistakes." He paused.

"Pagratide," said the American slowly, "you are talking wildly. At all

events, while everything impossible has happened to us, I think we can,

after all shake hands."

Karyl extended his own.

"I have spoken as I have," he went on, "because it was necessary to be

frank. Meanwhile I must ask you to place me under yet another

obligation. There is one safe place for her. Will you take us with you

on the yacht, and cruise in unfrequented ports, until Von Ritz reports

to me?"

"Where is Von Ritz?"

"Gone back to Alexandria. He still cherishes hopes of a restoration. He

wishes to return to Galavia."

"Can he return safely?"

Karyl shrugged his shoulders. "His conduct can hardly be construed as a

political offense. He will be under suspicion, but all Europe would

resent any injury to Von Ritz."

"The Isis is, of course, at your command."

* * * * *

In the same rooms where Karyl and his father had often consulted with

Von Ritz on affairs of state, Louis Delgado sat in conference with a

foreigner, who had no acknowledged position in the councils of any

government, yet whose mind and execution had affected many. The

foreigner was Monsieur Jusseret.

"Why," began the new Monarch testily, "do you believe that there should

be delay in proclaiming myself? I shall feel safer with the Crown

actually upon my head."

The Frenchman sat reflectively silent, his slim fingers spread, tip to

tip, his elbows on the arms of the chair in which he lounged.

"Your Majesty is not a fisherman?" he suavely inquired. Louis rose

impatiently.

"You know that I have no interest in such sports. Why do you ask?"

"It is unfortunate," mused the Master Intriguer, "since if Your Majesty

were, you would realize the inadvisability of an effort to land the game

fish too abruptly when he takes the hook. Your Majesty, however,

realizes that it is wiser to eat ripe fruit than green fruit."