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They were not after the Queen herself, for they looked upon her as a mere girl influenced by Otaballo. Should they chance upon her, undoubtedly they would feel obliged to arrest her, but she was not at the moment of such supreme importance as to make them alert to prevent her escape. Danbury knew this. The danger lay in the impudent curiosity of some one of the soldiers.
He understood that three interests were involved; those of the Revolutionary party, who under General Otaballo were inspired by purely patriotic motives in their desire to see the present government overthrown; those of Danbury, who was governed by more sentimental considerations, and, finally, those of the priest, who was prompted by revenge.
The sun had warmed the whole of this little world now and trees and houses stood out clean and distinct as though freshly washed. To the left the dry crackle of the rifles still sounded. It was evident that Otaballo had met with a good-sized force and one evidently prepared. It was not long before the road took them into the city proper.
Then his arms closed about her and she felt a great sense of safety, of relief, as though everything had suddenly been settled for her. There was no kingdom, no throne, no Otaballo, no cityful of malcontents, nothing but Dicky. She felt as much at peace as when they used to sit in the garden together. All this other confusion had been only some story which he had told her.
But, as she had said, if there were more like Otaballo, the kingdom would still be, without all this strife. His stubborn thoughts refused to march into the present. He raised his head again, still a general of Carlina. "Your Majesty," he said, "there is but one way in which a servant of the house of Montferaldo may save himself."
"I will leave you five men; is that enough?" "Thanks." Otaballo at the head of his men proceeded to sterner business, throwing out guards through the palace and making the victory secure. Half carrying the girl, Wilson followed the soldiers across the street. Two of them supported Sorez. The house opposite was empty, the occupants having deserted it at the approach of the enemy.
"There will always be," he warned, "a republic in the heart of your kingdom. The quieter the more danger." General Otaballo had remained in the rear of the room doing his best to control his impatience, but now he ventured to step forward. He saluted. "Pardon me, your Highness, but they wait to make you their Queen." "Don't! Don't!" she pleaded. "Leave me for to-day just a maid of Carlina.
He scowled in disgust, but she reached his hand under the table. She had given orders to Otaballo and then she had lain awake all night crying because he had carried them out. Her plan had been to get the kingdom all straightened out and at peace, and then to abdicate.
Now if ye doesn't watch 'em I reckon they'll take it fer themselves. As much as they can git in their pockets, anyhow." "I don't like that," answered the General, darkly. "If you'll look after them " "I wash my hands of them from now on," broke in Stubbs. "Havin' other duties." "Other duties here?" asked Otaballo, instantly suspicious.
You must tell him this and you must not let him come back." Otaballo held the door wide for her and she passed out. From the bottom of his heart Wilson pitied her, but this very pity brought to his mind that other woman whom he himself had left behind. He hurried out of the building after telling Stubbs where he could be found, and across the street. He took the stairs joyously, three at a time.
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