Marlanx was bottling his wrath and holding back his revenge for a
distinct purpose. Apart from the existence of a strong, healthy
prejudice in the guard's favor, what the old general believed and what
he could prove were two distinct propositions. He was crafty enough,
however, to take advantage of a condition unknown to Beverly Calhoun,
the innocent cause of all his bitterness toward Baldos.
As he hastened from the council chamber, his eyes swept the crowd of
eager, excited women in the grand hall. From among them he picked
Beverly and advanced upon her without regard for time and consequence.
Despite her animation he was keen enough to see that she was sorely
troubled. She did not shrink from him as he had half expected, but met
him with bold disdain in her eyes.
"This is the work of your champion," he said in tones that did not reach
ears other than her own. "I prophesied it, you must remember. Are you
satisfied now that you have been deceived in him?"
"I have implicit confidence in him. I suppose you have ordered his
arrest?" she asked with quiet scorn.
"He is under surveillance, at my suggestion. For your sake, and yours
alone, I am giving him a chance. He is your protege; you are responsible
for his conduct. To accuse him would be to place you in an embarrassing
position. There is a sickening rumor in court circles that you have more
than a merely kind and friendly interest in the rascal.
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