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He was as astonished to see the golden cross as you were." "Then you " "Yes, I changed them. There is the proof." And she tossed the sealed box carelessly into Vasilici's hands. He cut it open quickly, while dead silence reigned around him, and then held up the bracelet of medallions that everyone might see. "By this message you accuse yourself," cried the brigand, standing at his full height.
"Anton may have helped them, perhaps." "No; he was faithful my life on that. Great heavens! She is in their power, in Vasilici's power, and we stand here doing nothing." "She may have gone willingly," said Stefan, as Ellerey rushed toward the steps; "besides, what can we do?" "Come or stay as you will!" Ellerey shouted as he disappeared.
He listened to the counsel of others, and he advised, and gradually there arose a large majority in the camp to whose decision the minority bowed because their opinions were subtly provided for. There was a smile upon Vasilici's face as he stood forward to speak from which Maritza argued no good. "Princess, I am but the mouthpiece, not the judge," he said.
Vasilici's attitude had doubtless something to do with Ellerey's state of mind, personal antagonism rising above ambition; but this would not have been the case probably had Ellerey been forced against his will into any other service than that of Princess Maritza. There was a charm for him in her name, the memory of her had dwelt with him and lent a halo of romance to his present position.
For the moment there was no danger to be apprehended from them. "I think we may leave this turbulent Captain and his companions to Vasilici's tender mercies, my lord," said the King. "All we have to guard against is a riot among the dissatisfied in Sturatzberg." Perhaps the Ambassador felt sorry for Ellerey, but there was nothing he could do.
The brigand glanced at the boy contemptuously. "What bantam is this you have brought to crow for you?" "The boy speaks well enough," said Ellerey. "There is the token, where is your answer?" "Here, and here," was the quick answer, as he hurled the cross high into the air behind him, and at the same time blew a shrill whistle. "That is Vasilici's answer to liars, and this his swift punishment."
I brought you to this strait the remedy is in your own hands. Deliver me and the Queen's token into Vasilici's hands, and who knows, you may yet win place and power in Sturatzberg." With an impatient gesture, Ellerey walked across the chamber, and as he did so Anton raised his head. "What, old watch-dog, so you think as basely of me as your mistress does," he said, noticing the sudden movement.
This man's action proved that he was not altogether indifferent to her, and it was hardly likely that he was the only one among Vasilici's followers who might be ready to speak a word for her, perhaps even strike a blow for her, could she stir them sufficiently.
Give me but a score of men to shout my cause, and there are many here who will gladly add their voices to such an acclamation. Tell them that." No shout, not a murmur, even, had followed Maritza's challenge. Those who hated her most were astonished into silence. Vasilici's face grew a shade more savage, but he was quick to note that the Princess had not appealed altogether in vain.
Brigandage was not the natural calling of many who had flocked to Vasilici's standard, nor were they likely to rest contented with Vasilici's leadership for long. Were they not even now waiting for a message from the Queen, to whom in the future they would look for favor?
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