Don't look surprised, gentlemen, for I believe that in your
hearts you admire him quite as much as I do." The faint smile that went
the rounds was confirmation enough. Nearly every man there had been
trained in English-speaking lands and not a word of the conversation had
been missed.
"I expected to be arrested, Mr. Lorry," said Baldos calmly. "I knew that
the warrant awaited me. I knew that my flight of last night was no
secret. I came back willingly, gladly, your highness, and now I am ready
to face my accuser. There is nothing for me to fear."
"And after you have confessed to all these actions? By George, I like
your nerve," exclaimed Lorry.
"I have been amply vindicated," cried Marlanx. "Put him in irons--and
that boy, too."
"We'll interview the boy," said Lorry, remembering the lad beneath the
tree.
"See; he's sleeping so sweetly," said Baldos gently. "Poor lad, he has
not known sleep for many hour. I suppose he'll have to be awakened, poor
little beggar."
Colonel Quinnox and Haddan crossed the grounds to the big cedar. The boy
sprang to his feet at their call and looked wildly about. Two big hands
clasped his arms, and a moment later the slight figure came pathetically
across the intervening space between the stalwart guards.
"Why has he remained here, certain of arrest?" demanded Lorry in
surprise.
"He was safer with me than anywhere else, Mr.
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