CHAPTER VII
I walked to the window and looked out into the square below. As I did so, I noticed an unusual stir among the people who were passing. Every one seemed to be flocking to the Palace; the gates were wide open; and a continual stream of motor-cars and carriages kept entering and leaving. This was evidently an unusual sight, for the ordinary passers-by gathered at the entrances to watch, and most probably wonder. Then I noticed newspapers being sold, and the hum of many excited voices could be heard. I turned to Mr. Smith.
"Can they know already, do you think?"
"Undoubtedly, I have seen to that, and in all the chief cities of your Majesty's kingdom; they will know as fast as the telegrams can be sent."
Woolgast had left the room, but now returned and came up to where I was standing.
"I have to report, your Majesty, that Prince Alexis has just entered the Palace, and been arrested."
"That is good news, Colonel; I was fearing that he might be troublesome."
I think Mr. Smith had rather feared the same thing, for I heard him heave a sigh of relief.
"That eases my mind," he said. "It will be a bloodless coup d'état, after all."
"Thanks to the excellence of your plans."