Stop, sir! She has told me everything and I believe
her. I believe my own eyes. There is no need to discuss the matter
further. You have lost the right to be called a man. For the present I
have only to say that you shall be relieved of the command of my
army. The man who makes war on women is not fit to serve one. As for
Baldos, you are at liberty to prefer the charges. He shall have a fair
trial, rest assured."
"Your highness, hear me," implored Marlanx, white to the roots of his
hair.
"I will hear what you have to say when my husband is at my side."
"I can but stand condemned, then, your highness, without a hearing. My
vindication will come, however. With your permission, I retire to
contrive the arrest of this spy. You may depose me, but you cannot ask
me to neglect my duty to Graustark. I have tried to save him for Miss
Calhoun's sake--" But her hand was pointing to the door.
Ten minutes later Beverly was hearing everything from the lips of the
princess, and Marlanx was cursing his way toward the barracks, vengeance
in his heart. But a swift messenger from the castle reached the
guard-room ahead of him. Colonel Quinnox was reading an official note
from the princess when Marlanx strode angrily into the room.
"Bring this fellow Baldos to me, Colonel Quinnox," he said, without
greeting.
"I regret to say that I have but this instant received a message from
her highness, commanding me to send him to the castle," said Quinnox,
with a smile.
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