than usual care. Indeed, he was now the only man of the party who

kept any command over his nerves.

The bill was discharged, the Prince giving the whole change of the

note to the astonished waiter; and the three drove off in a four-

wheeler. They were not long upon the way before the cab stopped at

the entrance to a rather dark court. Here all descended.

After Geraldine had paid the fare, the young man turned, and

addressed Prince Florizel as follows:-

"It is still time, Mr. Godall, to make good your escape into

thraldom. And for you too, Major Hammersmith. Reflect well before

you take another step; and if your hearts say no - here are the

cross-roads."

"Lead on, sir," said the Prince. "I am not the man to go back from

a thing once said."

"Your coolness does me good," replied their guide. "I have never

seen any one so unmoved at this conjuncture; and yet you are not

the first whom I have escorted to this door. More than one of my

friends has preceded me, where I knew I must shortly follow. But

this is of no interest to you. Wait me here for only a few

moments; I shall return as soon as I have arranged the

preliminaries of your introduction."

And with that the young man, waving his hand to his companions,

turned into the court, entered a doorway and disappeared.

"Of all our follies," said Colonel Geraldine in a low voice, "this

is the wildest and most dangerous."

"I perfectly believe so," returned the Prince.

"We have still," pursued the Colonel, "a moment to ourselves. Let

me beseech your Highness to profit by the opportunity and retire.

<<BackPagesTo menuNext>>