“Who are you to set yourself against the army, sir?” he retorted very sternly.
“The English blood in my veins and my instincts as an American citizen alike revolt against the insensate violence of such an act as that intended, and I used such means as I had to prevent it. I staked my life on the issue; and if the army choose to claim the forfeit, I will pay it.”
“Why do you say such an act was intended?”
“The answer is supplied in what has occurred to-night at the Palace, Major Kireef. That I could not prevent, although, God knows, I would have done so had I had the power.”
Gatrina, who had been listening breathlessly to all this, intervened then. “What has occurred at the Palace?” she asked strenuously. “Surely no violence.”
“The King and Queen have come in conflict with the troops, and their Majesties have lost their lives in consequence.” The answer was given with cold deliberation; and I took it for the official version of Elma’s one word prophecy—assassination.
Gatrina was overcome by the news and threw herself back in her seat, her face covered by her hands.
“Are they the only lives that have been—lost?” I asked.
“I cannot answer you, Mr. Bergwyn.”
“Perhaps not; but you can at any rate see in my question the reason for all I have done to-night—even if to you it does not appear to be a justification.”