There shall be no
cowards in my army."
"Coward?" he faltered. "Have I not proved my courage on the field of
battle? Am I to be called a--"
"Bravery should not end when the soldier quits the field of battle. You
have had a hearing. Count Marlanx. I heard the truth about you last
night."
"From Miss Calhoun?" sneered he viciously. "I must be content to accept
this dismissal, your highness. There is no hope for me. Some day you may
pray God to forgive you for the wrong you have done your most loyal
servant. There is no appeal from your decision; but as a subject of
Graustark I insist that Miss Calhoun shall be punished for aiding in the
escape of this spy and traitor. He is gone, and it was she who led him
through the castle to the outer world. She cannot deny this,
gentlemen. I defy her to say she did not accompany Baldos through the
secret passage last night."
"It will do no harm to set herself right by denying this accusation,"
suggested Count Halfont solemnly. Every man in the cabinet and army had
hated Marlanx for years. His degradation was not displeasing to
them. They would ask no questions.
But Beverly Calhoun stood staring out of the window, out upon the castle
park and its gay sunshine. She did not answer, for she did not hear the
premier's words. Her brain was whirling madly with other thoughts. She
was trying to believe her eyes.
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