The Lighted Match

"No," was the brief reply.

For the remainder of the drive conversation died. The two men sat mutely

opposite each other as the carriage jolted over the cobble-stoned

streets, until the driver turned into the castle gates.

Then Von Ritz again leaned forward.

"Mr. Benton," he explained, "it happens that this evening a ball is

being given at the Palace for the members of the Diplomatic Corps. His

Majesty, supposing that you would desire a quiet reception, instructed

me to take you to the gardens of his private suite where he will shortly

join you; unless," added Von Ritz courteously, "you prefer the

Throne-room and dancing salles?"

Benton's reply was prompt.

"I believe I am to see the Count Pagratide," he answered. "I am grateful

to the Count for arranging that I might be secluded."

Blanco had gone into some detail in describing the chamber where he had

met the King, and later the Queen. Benton now recognized the place to

which he was conducted, from that description. As before, the room was

empty and the portières of the wide windows were partly drawn. Through

the opening he could see the small area perching on a space redeemed

from the solid rock. Dark masses against the sky marked the palms of the

garden, and through the window drifted the splashing of a fountain

mingled with the distant strains of the same Viennese waltz that the

hotel band had been playing. That year you might have heard it from the

Golden Gate to Suez and back again from Suez to the Golden Gate.