The Lighted Match

When the three glasses had been set down, the Englishman questioned:

"How did it occur?"

In the smooth manner of an after-dinner narrative, Jusseret explained

the occurrences of the night when he had brought his plans to an almost

successful termination. He told his story with charm of recital, verve

and humor, and gave it withal a touch of vivid realism, so that even his

auditors, long since graduated from the stage where a tale of

adventurous undertaking thrilled them, yet listened with profound

interest.

With the salad Jusseret sighed regretfully.

"I rather plume myself on one quality of my work, Monsieur Martin. I

rarely overlook an integral detail. I, however, find myself growing

alarmingly faulty of judgment."

"Indeed!" The Englishman was not greatly engrossed in the

autobiographical phases of Jusseret's diplomatic felonies.

"I regret to acknowledge it, but it is, alas, true. I reflected that the

world would resent harsh treatment of a man like Von Ritz. He had

committed no crime. We could not charge treason against a government not

yet born. I opposed even exile. He immediately rejoined his fleeing

King--and has since returned to Puntal, where one can only surmise what

mischief he agitates. It may be as well to consider his future."

"And now," callously supplemented the Englishman, "our new King feels an

uncertainty of tenure so long as the old King lives, and I am rushed

after this refugee Monarch with brief instructions to dispose of him."

There was a certain eloquence in the shrug of Jusseret's shoulders.

"Messieurs, we have wrecked Karyl's dynasty, but it still devolves

upon us in workmanlike fashion to clear away the débris."

Martin leaned forward and put his query like an attorney cross-examining

a witness.

"Where was this Queen when the King was taken?"

"That," replied Jusseret, "is a question to be put to Von Ritz or

Karyl. It would appear that Von Ritz suspected the end and, wise as he

is in the cards of diplomacy, resolved that should his King be taken, he

would still hold his Queen in reserve. That Kingdom does not hold to the

Salic Law--a Queen may reign! And so you see, my colleagues," he

summarized, "we, representing the plans of Europe, find ourselves

confronted with questions unanswered, and with matters yet to do."

Martin's voice was matter-of-fact. "After all," he observed, "what are

the odds, where the King was or where the Queen was at a given time in

the past, so long as we jolly well know where they are to-night?"

Turning to the Sultan's officer, he spoke rapidly. "You understand what

is expected?" He pointed one hand to the party from the yacht. "The man

nearest us is the King who failed to remain dead. That failure is

curable if you play your game." He paused. "The lady," he added, "has

the misfortune to have been the Queen of Galavia. You understand, my

brother?"