The Lighted Match

"That is not necessary," Karyl spoke coolly. "You will, I am informed,

find Lieutenant Lapas bound to a telescope at the Rock. You will find

the explosives at do Freres connected with a percussion cap which was

to have been touched while we were there this afternoon. The Countess

was disappointed because the percussion cap was not exploded. Sometimes,

when ladies are bitterly grieved, they swoon."

For a moment the older man studied the younger with an expression of

surprise, then the sphinx-like gravity returned to his face.

"Your Majesty, may I inquire why the cap failed to explode?" he asked,

with pardonable curiosity.

"Because"--Karyl's cheeks flushed hotly--"an American gentleman, who had

been here a few hours, intercepted the signal--and reversed it."

For an instant Von Ritz looked fixedly into the face of the King, then

he bowed.

"In that case," he commented, "there are various things to be done."